Developers visit Sh800 billion wind farm site
Zanzibar's Permanent Secretary in the ministry of Water, Energy and Minerals Joseph Kilangi receives a symbolic wind turbine replica from Sany Renewable Energy, Mr Hebren James
Zanzibar. Zanzibar’s $340 million (about Sh800 billion) wind power project came closer to reality on Tuesday when the project developers conducted a site visit to potential locations for the wind farm in the Isles.
The site visit by Aseel Oilfield Services Limited and Sany Renewable Energy follows the signing - in July this year - of a memorandum of understanding (MoUs) between the former and the Zanzibar government for the implementation of a wind power project in the Isles.
The site visit thus lays the groundwork for the development of the wind farm, which is expected to commence upon the signing of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between Aseel Oilfield Services and the Ministry of Water, Energy and Minerals.
The wind farm will have a capacity of producing from 20 MW to 200 MW of electricity, marking a significant leap forward in the goal of diversifying the energy mix and achieving a greener future.
Speaking during the event, the country manager for Sany Renewable Energy, Mr Hebren James, said the partnership with Aseel Oilfield Services was a pivotal step towards supporting and enhancing Tanzania's economic growth.
"As one of the leading wind turbine manufacturers globally, Sany Renewable Energy boasts an annual capacity in excess of 4 GW….With the conclusion of the project site, Aseel Oilfield Services and Sany Renewable Energy eagerly anticipate commencing construction on the selected site,” he said.
Actual construction will be completed within 18 months.
During the site visit, the team from Aseel Oilfield Services Limited and Sany Renewable Energy carefully assessed potential locations for the wind farm in the Bambi and Makunduchi areas as they seek to place it on a place that would help to maximum wind power generation potential and ensuring the success and efficiency of the future wind farm.
In his remarks, the Minister of Water, Energy, and Minerals, Mr Shaib Hassan Kaduara, expressed sincere appreciation for the unwavering commitment demonstrated by Aseel Oilfield Services Limited and Sany Renewable Energy in their pursuit of renewable energy ventures in Zanzibar.
He emphasized the significance of diversifying the energy mix and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, particularly in a region blessed with abundant wind resources.
