Tanzania President Suluhu Launches Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project Generating 2,115MW
2 min read
Tanzania has officially launched the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, a major power project built across the Rufiji River that is expected to add 2,115 megawatts (MW) to the country’s national electricity grid.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan officially inaugurated the project on Saturday alongside Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, who represented Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi at the ceremony.
The project cost about $2.9 billion and was constructed by Egyptian companies Arab Contractors and Elsewedy Electric.
The Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project is one of the largest hydropower developments in Africa. Its main dam stretches about 1,036 metres and stands 131 metres high.
The project has a large reservoir capable of holding about 34 billion cubic metres of water. It also has nine turbines, with each turbine producing about 235MW of electricity.
Once generated, the electricity is transmitted to Tanzania’s national grid through a 400-kilovolt switchyard and transmission lines connecting the plant to the Chalinze area.
Speaking during the launch, Madbouly said the project was an important achievement for Tanzania and demonstrated the ability of Egyptian companies to deliver major infrastructure projects in Africa.
He also said Egypt was ready to strengthen its cooperation with Tanzania in areas such as energy, construction, transport, agriculture, ports, logistics and healthcare.
The two countries are also seeking to increase trade and investment as they strengthen their economic relationship.
The launch was attended by senior Tanzanian government officials, including Vice President Emanuel John Nchimbi, Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi and Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba, among other leaders.
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