Geothermal

At the 10th African Geothermal Conference (ARGeo-C10) held in Dar es Salaam, Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango emphasized Tanzania's commitment to attracting investors in the geothermal energy sector. Highlighting the country’s favorable investment climate and political stability, he urged local and international investors to explore opportunities that geothermal energy presents for enhancing energy security and fostering economic growth. The VP's remarks came during the conference's official opening, where he outlined the government's ongoing reforms aimed at promoting sustainable energy development.

Dr. Mpango underscored the critical role geothermal energy plays in Tanzania's energy transition, pointing out the urgent need to diversify the country's electricity mix. He articulated a vision to increase the country's generation capacity to over 5,000 megawatts by 2030, with a strong emphasis on renewable energy sources, including geothermal. Promising geothermal sites have already been identified across various regions, such as Ngozi in Mbeya and Kiejo-Mbaka, signaling the government's readiness to invest in this clean energy alternative.

The Vice President also addressed the high initial costs of geothermal development, which can deter investment in many African nations. He called for regional cooperation among African countries to facilitate coordinated exploration and investment in geothermal resources. By leveraging collective strengths and resources, Dr. Mpango believes that African nations can expedite the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. His appeal resonates with the conference's objectives, aiming to galvanize support for geothermal development across the continent.

International experts attending the conference echoed Dr. Mpango's sentiments. Meseret Teklemariam from the United Nations Environment Programme highlighted geothermal energy's potential to transform energy access in the region. Similarly, Judith Kapinga, Tanzania's Energy Deputy Minister, emphasized the importance of integrating geothermal energy into national grids to promote equitable economic growth. As global efforts increasingly focus on clean energy solutions, the discussions at ARGeo-C10 position Tanzania as a pivotal player in advancing sustainable energy initiatives in Africa.