Tanzania switches off plants due to excess power

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — In an unprecedented move, Tanzanian authorities have temporarily shut down five hydroelectric stations to manage an oversupply of electricity in the national grid.

This decision was announced by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, highlighting a rare scenario of excess power resulting from the country’s recent infrastructural developments and environmental conditions.

The prime minister specifically pointed out the Mwalimu Nyerere Hydroelectric Station, which has generated sufficient electricity to supply major cities like Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s commercial capital.

This plant alone, with a capacity of 2,115 MW, has contributed significantly to the current surplus, thanks to the reservoir nearing full capacity following early heavy rainfall this year.

An official from the state-run power company, Tanesco, explained the situation: "We have turned off all these stations because the demand is low and the electricity production is too much, we have no allocation now.”

This marks the first instance in Tanzania, a country that has historically faced chronic power shortages, where hydroelectric stations have been closed due to excess production.

The surplus comes at a time when East Africa is grappling with extreme weather conditions, which have led to significant loss of life and damage in neighboring countries like Kenya. In Tanzania, the heavy rains have also been linked to at least 58 fatalities.

The shutdown of these hydroelectric stations underscores a turning point for Tanzania, reflecting both the challenges and opportunities associated with managing a burgeoning energy sector.

This development poses questions about future energy strategies and the balancing act between production and consumption in light of fluctuating weather patterns and economic demands.