DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister for Energy Dr Doto Biteko is today set to preside over a ground-breaking ceremony of a major power infrastructure project valued at 513bn/-.

The project entails the construction of a 400-kilovolt power transmission line from Chalinze in Coast region to Dodoma, alongside the expansion of critical power substations.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Energy, the project is set to enhance the capacity of the national power grid while facilitating the delivery of electricity from the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP) to central and northern regions of Tanzania.

“This initiative will not only bolster the grid’s capacity but also reinforce the distribution of electricity from the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, ensuring reliable power supply to key regions,” the statement, signed by Neema Mbuja on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, reads.

Having previously struggled with power shortages, Tanzania is now poised to enter a new era of energy distribution. The 400-kilovolt transmission line will connect Dodoma to the wider national grid, significantly improving power access and reliability across the country. This is especially crucial for Dodoma, the political heart of the nation, which has experienced rapid growth in both governmental and industrial sectors.

Fully funded by the government of Tanzania, the project will also see the expansion of power substations in Chalinze (Pwani Region) and Zuzu (Dodoma), allowing the grid to meet the increasing electricity demand. 

The improvements will ensure steady power supply to Dodoma and its surrounding areas, while also facilitating electricity distribution to the northern and south-eastern industrial zones.

The upgrades are expected to stimulate economic growth by bolstering industrialization, particularly in regions with expanding mining operations and sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing. As the project progresses, it is anticipated to drive both public and private investment in previously underserved areas.

The Chinese company TBEA Co. Ltd. has been selected as the contractor for the construction of the transmission line and substation expansions. With its global expertise in similar projects, TBEA is seen as a key partner in ensuring the timely and efficient completion of this transformative initiative.

For the government, this project is part of a broader strategy to secure energy independence and meet the country’s development goals. With a focus on sustainable growth, the initiative is one of many steps being taken to establish energy as a key driver for Tanzania’s future prosperity.