| Abstract |
Tanzania’s power system has for decades relied on hydro and oil based generation mix. As a result, the power supply has been prone to variability and uncertainty due to frequent drought spells and oil price fluctuations. As a short term remedy, the government has resorted to emergency fuel oil based power plants to bridge the supply gap. This solution is not only expensive but also environmentally unfriendly. Knowing that energy is vital for economic, social, and human development, Tanzania has determined to develop a sustainable energy mix that will ensure that households, communities, businesses and industries receive supply that is adequate, available when needed, reliable, convenient, healthy and safe for supporting the county’s development agenda. Geothermal being abundant and reliable source of base load supply, is one of the options for achieving sustainable energy supply portfolio. Tanzania has the geological setting that is favorable for hosting the geothermal resources. The country’s theoretical potential of geothermal is estimated to exceed 5,000 MW but remains un-taped for several reasons among others being, limited awareness about the unique positive features of geothermal (renewable, clean, and base load supply), avoiding to take upfront exploration cost and risks, long lead time in comparison with hydro and gas, and lack of manpower for developing the resource. At the moment, the government is keen to develop its geothermal energy resources so as to contribute to the country’s envisaged sustainable generation mix and to benefit the local communities through direct utilization of geothermal heat. With the purpose of developing the resource, the government has taken a number of steps including setting generation targets, establishment of dedicated company for geothermal development in 2013, establishment of enabling environment for attracting private sector participation, and development of human capacity for supporting the exploration, development and utilization. In parallel with that, Tanzania has developed a portfolio of prioritised geothermal sites to focus on, Ngozi and Songwe prospects being top on the priority list. Detailed surface study of Ngozi and Songwe has been concluded, recommending test drilling to confirm the resource. Preparation are in progress for making sure that test drilling takes place at Ngozi in year 2017. This country paper presents new developments in geothermal development since 2014 when the last country update was presented during ARGEO -C5 in Arusha, Tanzania. |