UDSM, Tanesco inspiring future innovators through STEM project

By Guardian Correspondent , The Guardian
Published at 09:00 AM Dec 13 2024
Renata Ndege, Deputy Managing Director, Planning, Research, and Investment, TANESCO
Photo: File
Renata Ndege, Deputy Managing Director, Planning, Research, and Investment, TANESCO

Tanzanian university students are enriching their career through STEM career through practical’s and visits to power plants organized by GE Vernova in collaboration with the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) and the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM).

The University of Dar es Salaam is home to over 35,000 students, many of whom are pursuing engineering and other STEM disciplines.

This initiative supports the government’s efforts to enhance national capabilities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). 

The one-day event provided students with the opportunity to engage directly with professionals from GE Vernova and TANESCO. 

Through presentations and interactive Q&A sessions, the students gained insights into university engineering programs that facilitate careers in the energy sector, along with the diverse professional opportunities available. 

Sessions also covered topics such as the energy transition, climate change, and TANESCO’s role in expanding reliable electricity supply.

“Reliable and efficiently produced electricity is a cornerstone of our National Development Vision 2050. TANESCO is dedicated to building the necessary infrastructure, which requires local engineering and technical talent,” said Renata Ndege, Deputy Managing Director, Planning, Research, and Investment, TANESCO.

According to her, programs like this are essential to achieving our goals.

GE Vernova employees participated in the event, sharing real-world insights and mentorship on academic and career progression in the energy sector. 

“GE Vernova is dedicated to playing a pivotal role in Tanzania's energy transition,” said Oluwatoyin Abegunde, Executive Director, Aeroderivatives;

Gas Power at GE Vernova. By using our advanced technologies, we are committed to helping our customers build a sustainable and resilient energy ecosystem,” she said.

The initiative aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of energy-focused career paths and academic opportunities. 

Young STEM professionals are crucial in creating an energy system that balances sustainability, availability, and affordability.

 “At our university, we offer essential practical and theoretical training. Events like this help students visualize how their education applies to real-world scenarios,” said Dr. Aviti, Senior Lecturer, Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering and Technology. 

He asserted that collaborations with the government and industry ensure graduates are well-equipped to support Tanzania’s energy ecosystem, fostering broader development goals.

For over 130 years, GE Vernova has supported the electricity value chain across Sub-Saharan Africa, encompassing wind, hydro, and gas power generation, as well as transmission, distribution, and software solutions. 

In Tanzania, GE Vernova technologies contribute significantly to the national electricity supply, including approximately 600 megawatts (MW) of gas turbines. 

As Tanzania's leading provider of gas turbine technology, GE Vernova supports reliable baseload power at key plants, such as 92 MW Ubungo III, the 150 MW Kinyerezi I and the 150 MW Tanzanian university students are enriching their career through STEM career through practical’s and visits to power plants organized by GE Vernova in collaboration with the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) and the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM)..