African geothermal conference kicks off in Dar es Salaam
DAR ES SALAAM: THE 10th African Geothermal Conference (ARGeo-C10) has commenced in Dar es Salaam, attracting approximately 800 experts from 21 countries around the world.
This was revealed by the Commissioner for Electricity and Renewable Energy, Engineer Innocent Luoga, during the opening of a training session on various geothermal issues. He was speaking on behalf of the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Dr Khatibu Kazungu, as part of the seven-day conference programme.
“At this conference, participants will benefit from various topics, including gaining deep knowledge on geothermal resource development through discussions and technical workshops, exchanging experiences, site visits to geothermal projects, discussing the impact of carbon markets and capacity building through short technical courses (Panel and Parallel Sessions),” said Engineer Luoga.
He added that Tanzania’s hosting of the conference is due to the efforts made by the Sixth Phase Government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan in advancing the energy sector, including geothermal development.
“To ensure reliable electricity and energy security in the country, electricity must be generated from various sources, including hydro, gas, solar, wind and geothermal. The government’s goal is to move away from reliance on a few sources of electricity,” Engineer Luoga stated.
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He explained that the international geothermal conference brings renewed momentum to geothermal development in Tanzania, as it will also help boost investment opportunities in the sector.
The conference is set to be officially opened by Vice-President Dr Philip Isdor Mpango, with various countries collaborating with Tanzania on geothermal resource development participating.
Engineer Luoga highlighted that Tanzania has about 52 identified areas for geothermal energy development, with five areas already under development, including Ngozi, Kiejo-Mbaka, Ruhoi, Natron and Songwe.
On his part, Managing Director of Tanzania Geothermal Development Company (TGDC), Mr Mathew Mwangomba, said the conference involves various global stakeholders, including geothermal experts and will focus on issues such as carbon markets and carbon emission reduction. He mentioned that the theme of the conference is “Accelerating Geothermal Resource Development in Africa: Carbon Markets and Emission Reduction.” He noted that the benefits of ARGeo C-10 include opening opportunities related to geothermal energy and accelerating its development in Tanzania, which will also boost the national economy and increase electricity generation.
Mr Mwangomba recalled that the 2014 conference, when Tanzania hosted the event, brought positive results, including the establishment of the Tanzania Geothermal Development Company, Tanzanian experts receiving training abroad and increased support from development partners, including Japan (JICA), Iceland, New Zealand and the United States.
Meanwhile, the Head of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) office for Southern Africa, Meseret Teklemarian, commended Tanzania for successfully organising the conference.
She also praised the Tanzanian government for giving significant importance to the event, as the conference preparations involved experts from various sectors, with many experts from different institutions and private organisations attending the ongoing training sessions.
