Malagarasi Hydroelectric Power Station
Malagarasi Hydroelectric Power Station, is a planned 50 megawatts (67,000 hp) hydroelectric power station in Tanzania. The development is planned in the Igamba area, west of the Malagarasi swamps, at the site of the Igamba Falls.[1]
| Malagarasi Hydroelectric Power Station | |
|---|---|
  Map of Tanzania showing the location of Malagarasi Hydroelectric Power Station | |
| Country | Tanzania |
| Location | Igamba Falls, Malagarasi River, Kigoma Region |
| Coordinates | 05°10′43″S 30°03′49″E |
| Status | Proposed |
| Owner(s) | Tanesco |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Impounds | Malagarasi River |
| Reservoir | |
| Normal elevation | 1,200 m (3,900 ft) |
| Commission date | TBD |
| Type | Run-of-the-river |
| Installed capacity | 50 MW (67,000 hp) |
Location
The power station would be located on the Malagarasi River, west of the Malagarasi swamps, in the area called Igamba. This location is the location of the Igamba Falls, where the power station would be located. This location lies approximately 100 kilometres (62 mi), by road, southeast of the regional capital of Kigoma.[1]
Overview
Malagarasi Hydropower Station is intended to add 50 megawatts to the Tanzanian national electricity grid and to supply sustainable, renewable, green energy to the city of Kigoma and surrounding communities, including Uvinza, Kasulu and Buhigwe, which obtain their electricity from diesel sources. Any surplus electricity from this power station will be integrated into the national grid at an electric substation at Kidahwe, a suburb of Kigoma. A new 53 kilometres (33 mi) 132kV high voltage power line from the new power station to the substation at Kidahwe, is a component of this project.[1][2]
According to the African Development Bank, the project has these additional benefits: 1. It will create approximately 700 jobs during the construction phase 2. It will reduce production costs of electricity in the Kigoma Region from US$0.33 to about US$0.04 per kilowatt-hour 3. It will reduce the use of fossil fuels and the attendant emission of greenhouse gases and 4. The cost of doing business is expected “to reduce because the industry will no longer need to maintain expensive back-up generators”.[3]
Construction costs and funding sources
As of November 2020, the total construction budget was US$144.14 million. The table below illustrates the sources of funding for the project.[3] The loan documents were executed between the AfDB and the government of Tanzania, on 28 May 2021. [2][4]
| Rank | Development Partner | US Dollars Invested | Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | African Development Bank | 120.0 million | 83.25 | Loan |
| 2 | African Growth and Opportunity Fund | 20.0 million | 13.88 | Loan |
| 3 | Government of Tanzania | 4.14 million | 2.87 | Equity Investment |
| Total | 144.14 million | 100.00 | ||
Technical consultant
Tanesco selected the Italian consulting engineering firm Studio Pietrangeli to oversee and supervise the technical aspects of the project, including review of the ESIA document, design of dam and powerhouse, design and supervision of tenders.[5]
References
- Tanesco (29 October 2019). "Environmental And Social Impact Assessment Summary For The Proposed Construction of 44.8 Megawatts Malagarasi HPP And Associated 132kV Transmission Line From Malagarasi Hydropower Plant To Kigoma 400/132/33kV Substation At Kidahwe, Kigoma" (PDF). Abidjan: African Development Bank. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
- Jean Marie Takouleu (28 May 2021). "Tanzania: Dodoma approves $140m for the Malagarasi hydropower plant". Paris, France: Afrik21.africa. Retrieved 29 May 2021.
- Jean Marie Takouleu (30 November 2020). "Tanzania: AfDB and AGTF provide $140 million for the Malagarasi hydropower plant". Paris, France: Afrik21.africa. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
- Anthony Kitimo (28 May 2021). "AfDB grants Tanzania $140m loan for hydropower project". The EastAfrican. Nairobi. Retrieved 29 May 2021.
- Studio Pietrangeli (December 2020). "Technical Specifications of Malagarasi Hydroelectric Power Plant". Rome, Italy: Studio Pietrangeli. Retrieved 5 December 2020.