Tanzanian Prime Minister, Kassim Majaliwa, has announced the suspension of operations at five hydroelectric stations, a move prompted by an excess in the national electricity supply. This unprecedented step was influenced by the substantial power generation from the Mwalimu Nyerere Hydroelectric Station, which alone has managed to generate sufficient electricity to sustain major urban centers including Dar es Salaam, the nation’s chief commercial city.
According to a report by the BBC, an official from Tanesco, the state-operated power company, indicated that the shutdowns were necessary because current production greatly exceeds the demand, leaving the system without allocation for the surplus energy.
This decision follows a period of heavy rainfall earlier in the year, which led to the Julius Nyerere hydroelectric dam, a new facility with a capacity of 2,115MW, reaching its maximum water capacity. This facility had recently activated its first turbine, contributing 235 MW to the grid, in efforts to expand the country’s power generation capabilities and alleviate the ongoing issues with power rationing.
This is the first time Tanzania, which has historically faced chronic electricity shortages, has had to shut down its hydroelectric plants due to an overproduction of power.