Kikwete unveils Tanzania’s largest solar power project
The main building of the university of Dodoma . President Jakaya Kikwete yesterday launched the country's largest solar energy project as well as a College of Renewable Energy and Sustainability at the university of Dodoma (Udom).PHOTO|FILE
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The timely special initiative will position Udom as one of Africa’s leading universities in renewable and sustainable energy as the centerpiece of the project will be the construction of the largest solar farm ever built on a college campus anywhere in the world, totaling 55MW of solar generation.
Dodoma. President Jakaya Kikwete yesterday launched the country’s largest solar energy project as well as a College of Renewable Energy and Sustainability at the University of Dodoma (Udom).
The timely special initiative will position Udom as one of Africa’s leading universities in renewable and sustainable energy as the centerpiece of the project will be the construction of the largest solar farm ever built on a college campus anywhere in the world, totaling 55MW of solar generation.
Speaking during the launch, Udom’s deputy vice chancellor- Planning, Finance and Administration, Prof Shaban Mlacha, said the first phase of the project which is expected to be finalised mid next year would involve building infrastructure to generate power for Udom needs.
He added that the second phase of the project would involve generating solar power for supplying to the whole Dodoma Region and is expected to be operational by the end of 2016.
“Implementation of this utility-scale project is part of Udom’s strategy to establish itself as a global centre of excellence in renewable energy and sustainability, ensuring that Tanzania has trained workforce, research scientists, and entrepreneurs to lead the way on the African continent when it comes to the deployment of clean, local energy,” he said.
He, however, revealed that in order to achieve the intended goal, Udom has established a strategic partnership with the Ohio State University (OSU), one of the USA’s largest research universities with an international reputation in food, water, energy and health.
Ms Marty Kress, the head of OSU’s Global Water Institute during the launching ceremony, said the varsity was honoured to partner with Udom to make the new School of Renewable Energy a reality.
“This transformational education programme will train the workforce of tomorrow, stimulate the growth of new firms and businesses, enable the transition of renewable energy systems to rural Tanzania and open the door to collaborative research projects between both schools,” stated Ms Kress.
Ms Kress said the envisaged new college’s emphasis on renewable energy would have a substantial positive impact on delivery of clean water to rural parts of Tanzania.
“Solar-powered pumps can provide clean water and improve health and sanitation for millions of Tanzanians ... the Ohio State University has committed to retrofit 125 village water well systems in partnership with Udom,” Ms Kress revealed.
The flagship 55 MW solar project represents a joint venture between Udom and Hecate Energy, one of the USA’s leading developers of large scale renewable energy projects.
On his side, Nick Bullinger, Hecate Energy’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “We are proud to be on Udom’s team...renewable energy will be a big part of Africa’s economic future and Udom’s efforts guarantee that Tanzania will be a leader, not a follower, when it comes to solar energy, wind energy, and battery storage. This means more jobs and a higher quality of life for the people of Tanzania, now and into the future.”
