COAST REGION, Tanzania – In a significant move to diversify its energy portfolio, Tanzania has initiated discussions with potential investors for nuclear power production, building upon the recent successful commissioning of the landmark Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP).
The Ministry of Energy is finalizing preliminary drafts for its nuclear initiative, with broader stakeholder consultations scheduled to commence shortly, according to Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) Managing Director Lazaro Twange.
The nuclear push follows President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive to expand Tanzania’s energy mix and comes just months after she launched the Uranium Pilot Plant in Namtumbo District, Ruvuma Region in July. This facility positions Tanzania as a future key player in uranium production – the critical mineral required for nuclear energy generation.
“This marks not just a celebration but the start of something transformative for our region and country,” President Samia declared during the plant’s inauguration, emphasizing that uranium represents a strategic resource that will fuel Tanzania’s transition toward a modern, technology-driven economy.
The nuclear discussions were revealed during Energy Minister Deogratius Ndejembi’s working visit to the JNHPP, where he confirmed the 2,115-megawatt facility is now fully operational and generating electricity as planned. The project has fundamentally transformed Tanzania’s power landscape, eliminating chronic power rationing and providing reliable electricity nationwide.
“Since generation began here, there have been significant improvements in electricity distribution,” Minister Ndejembi stated. “The government is now focusing on constructing transmission lines to deliver power to more areas across the country.”
The JNHPP guarantees Tanzania a stable electricity supply for over a century, according to the minister, while ongoing projects will ensure this power reaches key industrial zones. Construction is progressing on the 400-kilovolt transmission line from Chalinze to Dodoma, with preparations underway for another major line from JNHPP to Mkuranga to supply industrial zones and Dar es Salaam.
TANESCO’s Twange revealed the government has invested 13.8 trillion Tanzanian shillings in power projects, describing the amount as “substantial and sufficient for current development needs.” Among 41 ongoing projects, six focus on power generation while 35 involve transmission line construction.
With Tanzania now enjoying surplus electricity capacity, the country is positioning itself as an attractive investment destination. “Any investor requiring power for industrial or other activities is welcome,” Twange assured. “TANESCO is ready to provide service without any challenge of shortages.”
The simultaneous advancement of nuclear ambitions and renewable energy projects – including the 50-megawatt Kishapu solar project and 49.5-megawatt Malagarasi hydropower project – demonstrates Tanzania’s comprehensive approach to building a robust, diversified energy sector capable of powering its economic transformation.
