JNHPP third power turbine switched on
DAR ES SALAAM: A THIRD turbine at the Julius Nyerere Hydroelectric Power Plant (JNHPP) was switched on on Wednesday to bring to 662 megawatts of electricity generated so far by the plant.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko commended the construction progress, emphasizing its alignment with the government’s strategy to ensure ample power supply.
The JNHPP is slated to generate a total of 2,115 MW from nine turbines, each with a capacity of 235 MW.
As of now, turbines 9, 8, and 7 have been activated, with overall construction progress reaching 98.33 per cent.
The Deputy PM highlighted that the maximum capacity for each turbine is to generate 235 MW saying currently the machines are not generating electricity to their fullest capacity.
“In case of more demand, we have an opportunity to use the turbine to their maximum capacity” Dr Biteko said.
Dr Biteko said next month turbine number six will be switched on to make a total of four functioning turbines. “Next month the fourth turbine will be connected to the national grid,” he noted.
The Deputy Minister assured the public that the government is committed to implementing the project and that the remaining six turbines will be switched in the near future to make the whole project operational at full capacity of generating 2115 MW.
“Our main objective is to see the project completed within the scheduled time frame, and we are prepared to achieve this” Dr Biteko said.
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He directed the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) to strengthen its transmission lines to cater for the increased power productions that require stable infrastructure.
Earlier, TANESCO’S Managing Director, Engineer Gissima Nyamohanga said the turbine number six will be switched on by August 16 this year.
Moreover, he said the government expects to switch on all turbines before the end of this year.
The project started in 2018 after the government signed a joint construction contract with Arab Contractors and
