Assessment of hydropower resources in Tanzania. A review article

Abstract

The hydropower resources have become an attractive means of generating electricity to the off-grid network, especially in rural areas. This article assesses the small, mini and large hydropower resources and identified to reach 5.3 GW for electricity generation in Tanzania. The technology development discussed comprises of hydro turbine manufacturers, classification and turbine selection. The barriers presented include the presence of sediment in the hydropower reservoirs, financial viability, policy and regulatory issues related to hydropower development. This reviewed article serves the investors and policymakers to understand the status of hydropower resources in Tanzania.

Overcoming local constraints when developing renewable energy systems for the electrification of remote areas in Africa

“…This means that the approach should not be classic. In the absence of specific studies in all countries for rural areas like the one made by Mdee et al [16] for larger plants, it is important to promote capacity building and train the main people involved on how to develop micro renewable energy plants using a hands-on method. Still, we should study the social context in order to make sure the programme matches with the environment.…”

Hydrologic classification of Tanzanian rivers to support national water resource policy

“…Increased agricultural productivity, particularly through increased irrigation, and sustainable water resource management is viewed as fundamental to success, where hydrologic classifications provide information on the types and proportional representation of river systems of particular hydrological character that are likely to be affected by human development. In addition to irrigation water demand potentially set to increase by 7 billion cubic metres per year, several new dams and run‐of‐river hydropower plants are planned to produce 2.4 gigawatts of new hydroelectricity annually (Mdee et al, 2018; CDM Smith, 2016). This includes the planned construction of dams on the Ruhudji, Mnyera and Mpanga Rivers that will threaten Stable Perennial (StaPer) and Predictable Mid‐order Perennial hydrologic types, and dam construction on the Upper Kihansi River that will impact Stable Perennial (StaPer) and Variable Perennial (VarPer) hydrologic types in the Rufiji River Basin.…”

“…This includes the planned construction of dams on the Ruhudji, Mnyera and Mpanga Rivers that will threaten Stable Perennial (StaPer) and Predictable Mid‐order Perennial hydrologic types, and dam construction on the Upper Kihansi River that will impact Stable Perennial (StaPer) and Variable Perennial (VarPer) hydrologic types in the Rufiji River Basin. Similarly, concentrated hydropower potential in western Tanzania (Mdee et al, 2018) would threaten a number of hydrologic classes, including the Low‐ (LWtSe) and Moderate‐elevation Wet Seasonal (MWtSe) classes and Montane (Monta) class. The controversial decision to begin construction of the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHP) at Stiegler's gorge in July 2019, which will represent the fourth largest in Africa and ninth largest in the world, will similarly impact several of Tanzania's most valued rivers (Hamerlynck et al, 2011; Hoag & Öhman, 2008).…”

“…The nation's freshwaters are also recognized as providing essential and valuable ecosystem services that support the social and economic development and resilience of Tanzanian society. Tanzanian rivers have a total exploitable hydropower potential of approximately 4700 MW, but to‐date only approximately 560 MW have been developed through a combination of mini, small and large hydropower (Mdee et al, 2018). There are currently six large hydropower plants in operation, and a number of other projects have been considered over the past two decades, including in the Ruhudji, Mnyera, and Mpanga river basins (Adebayo et al, 2013).…”

Impacts and challenges of Southern African Development Community’s industrialization agenda on Botswana and Tanzania

“…In Tanzania, Julius Nyerere hydro-electric power project is expected to add 2.1 GW of power (Aly et al, 2019). Mdee et al (2018) noted that Tanzania's small, mini and large hydropower resources are identified to reach 5.3 GW for electricity generation. However, there are barriers to hydropower development in Tanzania and this includes sediment in hydropower reservoirs and policy.…”