(Ecofin Agency) - Tanzania will need $3.611 billion to complete the nine power plants and transmission lines projects it is developing. This is the total amount needed for the projects selected by Tanzania Investment Centre and which the country will seek funding for this year.

Among the projects presented are three transmission lines, a combined cycle power plant, a geothermal plant, three hydroelectric plants, and one coal-fired plant.  

The first transmission line that will connect Chalinze and Dodoma, will have a generation capacity of 400 KV and will span over 350 km. Its construction cost is estimated at $122.5 million.  

The second line will be 253 km long between Mtwara and Somanga with a  400 kV energy generating capacity for an estimated cost of $231.1 million.

Somanga will also be linked to Kinyerezi by another 400 Kv transmission line of 198 KM and estimated at $150 million.

The combined cycle power plant presented is that of Somanga Fungu with a 320 MW generation capacity for $413.3 million.

Tanzania is also seeking funds for the Ngozi geothermal plant with a combined capacity of 600 MW. During phase I, a 200 MW  plant will be built for $821 million.

The first hydroelectric plant the country is seeking funds for is the 87MW Kakano’s which will require $379.4 million.

There is also the Rumakali one with a 222 MW capacity. The construction of such infrastructure will cost $344 million subject to actualization of the feasibility study. In the framework of this project, a 400 Kv transmission line of 150 Km will be built between Rumakali and Mbeya. It will require $44.22 million.

The 358 MW Ruhudji hydroelectric plant will be the largest of all. It will cost $407.4 million subject to actualization of the feasibility studies. $53,2 million will also be required for the construction of a 400Kv line that will transport its production to Kisada substation located 170 km from Ruhudji.  

Finally, the country will need $645.75 million for a 300 MW coal-powered plant in Mchuchuma. This project’s feasibility studies also need to be actualized.  

All these projects, with the exception of Somanga Fungu combined cycle plant and Chalinze-Dodoma transmission line will be developed by Tanesco, Tanzania’s company in charge of the energy sector.

Let’s remind that in 2017, Tanzania attracted $1.35 billion foreign direct investments, thus becoming the leading destination of such financing in East Africa.

Gwladys Johnson Akinocho