Solar electricity to end power woes in Kahama

THE SSI Energy Tanzania Limited has signed a contract with the Sinohydro Corporation (Sinohydro) to construct solar power plant for generating 10MW for local industries and communities in Kahama District, Shinyanga Region.

The Kahama Solar Project was developed and owned by SSI Energy Tanzania Limited adjacent to the new Special Economic Zone.

The two companies have signed an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract.

The electricity generated will be delivered directly to the Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO) substation at Buzwagi, near Kahama under a Standardised Power Purchase Agreement.

The power station will supply TANESCO with renewable energy for homes, factories, offices, schools and hospitals in the rapidly expanding town of Kahama and its surrounding area.

By generating electricity during daylight hours it will help stabilise the grid 24 hours a day, improving the local infrastructure and making a real difference to peoples’ lives.

Such improvement will lower harmful emissions by reducing the reliance on private generators and mitigating impact on climate change.

SSI Energy Tanzania Ltd, country manager,  Dr Nancy Shedrack, said they were delighted at the appointment of Sinohydro to construct  solar power station at Kahama.

“Sinohydro has a reputation as a world renowned ICP and we are excited to have them as partners throughout the construction process,” she said.

“Sinonhydro is also great fit with our key stakeholders, Kahama Municipal Council, EWURA, TANESCO, REA, our financial partners and local communities. We look forward to completing this project successfully and supporting President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan’s transition plan to build renewable power generation as agreed at COP27 Egypt in November 2022.”

Speaking after signing the contract, Mr Wu Peng, Sinohydro country representative said, the project would provide the foundation of a sustainable low-carbon economy by improving the grid performance and by deploying solar production capacity.

“As one of the world’s largest power construction enterprises, Sinohydro is committed to promote a sustainable and clean source of energy for future generations,” he said.

SSI Energy Tanzania Ltd Managing Director, Nick Richardson, said, as Tanzania begins its journey towards a green energy transition, the SSI Kahama Solar Power Project marked a significant milestone in providing a solution for a low global carbon economy, creating a reliable electricity network to power industry and local communities.

“Achieving this is down to selecting first class partners like Sinohydro, with the experience and technical knowhow to complete projects on time and to budget,” he said.

SSI is a specialist developer of solar power stations in Tanzania, established in 2017.

The Kahama Solar Project is the company’s first project to be constructed and should be completed in December 2023.