Hosea Mbise, Tanzania’s Energy Commissioner, told the newspaper the country is exploring alternative sources of renewable energy as an alternative to its current overreliance on hydro-electric power.
The deal comes on the heels of recent tour of Kenya's Menengai Geothermal Station by 32 members of the Tanzanian Parliamentary Committee on Energy and Mining.
It is believed Tanzania has a geothermal production potential of about 650 MW compared to Kenya’s more than 10,000 MW potential.
Mbise said going forward, Tanzania will draw on Kenya’s expertise in geothermal development.
Four top officials will be trained by Kenya’s Geothermal Development Company, and Kenya will come up with appropriate legal framework for geothermal exploration, create incentives for investors, license and fund raise for geothermal projects.
Mbise told The Star Tanzania will mirror GDC’s plan in geothermal energy to enable them meet the energy demand that is growing at 15 per cent annually.
“With the new deal, Tanzania will meet the goal of doubling the stored energy capacity by 2015,” Mbise said.
The African Development Bank, which has been funding geothermal projects in Kenya, has offered to partner with Tanzania in its quest for geothermal energy.
The. Mbise said Tanzania is committed to developing renewable energy sources in more than 50 geothermal sites.
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