Geothermal Energy Can Contribute On Tanzania Energy Mix
and Beyond.
Ngereja Mgejwa
Ministry of Energy and Minerals, P. O. Box 2000, Dar es Salaam
nmmgejwa@yahoo.com, ngereja.mgejwa@mem.go.tz
Keywords: Geothermal, hot spring, energy, Greenhouse gases,
ABSTRACT
Tanzania is having different kinds of energy sources such as geothermal,
wind, solar, biomass, natural gas and hydro just few to mention. Currently
in Tanzania some of the energy sources are at different stages of
development. Geothermal resources in Tanzania not yet exploited; the
country is at resource assessment stage. The national power system relies
on hydropower but sometimes the country experience shortfalls in electricity
supply from the hydropower stations, hydro stands at 561.84MW by
January 1, 2014. Tanzania intends to diversify the country’s energy mix and
is looking for alternative sources of energy. Geothermal energy is among
those alternatives to contribute on the stabilization of energy supply and
energy prices
Geographically, Tanzania is one of the East African countries having major
characteristics of geothermal energy resources. Most of the already identified
sites with hot springs are located in areas transacted by the East African
Rift Valley System including Northern volcanic province of Kilimanjaro,
Meru and Ngorongoro and the Rungwe Volcanic province in Southwest
Tanzania. Notwithstanding, some coastal areas also show surface
manifestations of geothermal resource. Developing geothermal energy in
Tanzania will improve power stability, tourism and will start greenhouse and
aquaculture, Industrial and Commercial uses in the country especially those
area with geothermal resources. Mbeya region with its location can be a
starting point as far as its proximal to geothermal field is concern.