The Zanzibar Electricity Corporation (ZECO), responsible for electricity supply in Tanzania, recently issued a tender for the construction of a solar power plant with a minimum capacity of 18 MW.
This facility, to be located in Makunduchi in the southern part of the island, is central to efforts aimed at reducing Zanzibar’s energy dependence on the mainland.
The project, funded by the World Bank through the government of Zanzibar and the United Republic of Tanzania, also includes training local staff to ensure a gradual and independent transition of operations.
In addition to design and installation, the selected company will be responsible for operating and maintaining the plant for three years.
This initiative is part of a broader plan launched last May when ZECO signed a strategic agreement with Generation Capital Limited (GCL) and Taifa Energy.
The agreement includes the installation of 180 MW of solar energy, enabling the archipelago to achieve large-scale local energy production capacity for the first time in its history.
Makunduchi represents a key milestone in this ambitious vision, aimed at diversifying Zanzibar’s energy sources while promoting access to sustainable and affordable electricity for its residents.
On a national level, Tanzania is ramping up efforts to develop renewable energy, particularly solar power.
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the country had 16 MW of installed solar capacity by the end of 2023.
The Zanzibar project highlights a growing trend toward investing in green energy solutions to meet the population’s increasing energy demands.
Source: yop.l-frii
