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Friday, August 4, 2023

Geita Gold to save $19m annually after national grid connection

 

Vice president of AngloGold Ashanti-GGML responsible for sustainable projects in Ghana and Tanzania Simon Shayo (left) speaks during a forum to discuss energy issues on Monday. Others include chairperson of Tanzania Renewable Energy Association (Tarea), Mr Prosper Magali (center) and founder and managing director of Lindam Group Limited, Ms Zuhura Muro. PHOTO | CITIZEN CORRESPONDENT

Summary

·         Tanesco is implementing a power project which will ultimately connect the company with the electricity from the national grid

Dar es Salaam. Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML) said it will save almost half of electricity costs after receiving the power from the national grid.

Currently, the mining company relies on self-generated electricity through diesel-powered plant.

Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco) is implementing a power project which will ultimately connect the company with the electricity from the national grid.

The vice president of AngloGold Ashanti-GGML, responsible for sustainable projects in Ghana and Tanzania, Mr Simon Shayo said once the power plant and electricity distribution project for the company's mines are completed, it will reduce electricity cost by 50 percent, translating into annual savings of $19 million.

"Once Tanesco's electricity project is completed, the mine will be able to rely on the national grid, resulting in a 50 percent reduction in electricity costs, which translates into annual savings of $19 million," he said during a forum organised by Mwananchi Communications Ltd (MCL) to discuss energy issues.

GGML currently generates 29 megawatts through oil.

The national grid will also enable the miner to reduce carbon emissions by 81 kilotonnes by 2030, he said.

Tanesco is currently constructing a 220-kilovolt line from Bulyanhulu to Geita, followed by a six-kilometre 33-kilovolt line to the GGML mine.

At the same time, the company is developing a power plant worth $24.4 million to reduce the output to 11 kilovolts.

The mining company also commended Tanesco and the Ministry of Energy for their ten-year strategic plan, which is aims to establish sustainable sources of energy.

Speaking during the launch of Tanesco's strategic plan, the Minister for Energy, January Makamba urged the public to be patient as the power utility firm restructures its operations.

He stressed that the government is actively seeking funding to provide Tanesco with the necessary capital to implement its plans to improve services to citizens.

The Managing Director of Tanesco, Maharage Chande, reiterated the company's commitment to improving services to customers through various projects.

These include the generation of electricity from the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP), which is scheduled to come on stream in June 2024.

MCL managing director Bakari Machumu said the debate had been an important opportunity for the nation to discuss and find a solution to various challenges.

He said apart from writing news, the media is now forced to create such platforms to find innovation in addressing challenges facing society.

 


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