The Minister for Energy, Hon. Deogratius Ndejembi, has underscored Tanzania’s strong potential to scale up geothermal energy development, citing the country’s extensive resource base as an opportunity to deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable power for citizens—while advancing global ambitions for clean electricity generation.
Speaking at the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Council during the Annual Meeting of the Global Geothermal Alliance (GGA) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Minister Ndejembi noted that Tanzania has embedded geothermal power generation in key national and international frameworks, including the Development Vision 2050, the 2015 National Energy Policy, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the climate agenda.
He explained that, through the Tanzania Geothermal Development Company (TGDC), the Government is progressing a portfolio of priority geothermal prospects, including Ngozi (70 MW), Songwe (5–38 MW), Kiejo-Mbaka (60 MW), Natron (60 MW), and Luhoi (5 MW). Tanzania’s ambition is to commission its first geothermal power plant with a total capacity of 130 MW by 2030, beginning with an initial 30 MW phase.
Minister Ndejembi invited investors to partner with Tanzania, emphasizing ongoing efforts to strengthen the investment climate by enhancing legal and regulatory frameworks to provide greater certainty, streamlining licensing and permitting processes, and improving access to geothermal data.
He further noted that accelerating geothermal development will require concessional financing and deeper collaboration with international partners and the private sector—particularly to address the high costs associated with early-stage exploration and resource confirmation.
The Minister also welcomed cooperation from countries with advanced geothermal experience to support the training and development of Tanzanian professionals in the sector.
Highlighting Tanzania’s geological advantage within the Great Rift Valley system, Ndejembi stated that the country’s geothermal potential is estimated at up to 5,000 MW, with 52 identified locations showing geothermal indicators across 16 regions.
Opening the meeting, IRENA Deputy Director-General Gauri Singh emphasized that geothermal energy is vital for strengthening global energy security, while noting that its current contribution to worldwide electricity generation remains relatively limited—pointing to the need for accelerated development of additional resources.
The Minister was accompanied at the IRENA meetings by Tanzania’s Acting Ambassador to the UAE, Bakari Ameir; the Assistant Commissioner for Renewable Energy, Engineer Imani Mruma; and other technical experts from the Ministry of Energy.
