Zambia- Tanzania Electricity Interconnector Project advances
Breaking News Zambia
Top StoriesGovernment says the Zambia-Tanzania Electricity Interconnector Project will have the capacity to transmit 500 megawatts (MW) of electricity to enhance power supply security. Minister of Energy, Peter Kapala, says the line which has advanced by over 60 percent will be used for…
Government says the Zambia-Tanzania Electricity Interconnector Project will have the capacity to transmit 500 megawatts (MW) of electricity to enhance power supply security.
Minister of Energy, Peter Kapala, says the line which has advanced by over 60 percent will be used for importing and exporting electricity.
The Minister disclosed this in Parliament today when he delivered a ministerial statement where he gave an update on the project.
Mr Kapala said the interconnector would primarily facilitate electricity imports, although Zambia would also be in a position to export power when surplus is available.
He said government is also engaging the private sector to explore the possibility of constructing an additional transmission line connecting Zambia and Tanzania, with a view to increasing the capacity to 1,000MW.
The Minister also noted that the interconnector is among several electricity transmission projects being pursued by the government to strengthen regional power connectivity.
He cited other planned interconnection projects involving Zambia and Mozambique, Angola, Zimbabwe and Botswana, as well as the Solwezi-Kolwezi and Luapula hydro-power schemes.
Meanwhile, Mr Kapala has assured the nation that Zambia is taking measures to avert possible electricity shortages arising from the anticipated El Niño weather conditions and reduced water levels.
“With or without El Niño, we’re ready,” he assured.
Mr Kapala said the country would be able to import electricity from Tanzania and South Africa, both of which have surplus power available.
He stated that the country had learnt lessons from the previous drought, when it experienced a critical electricity shortage and Tanzania was identified as a potential source of supplementary power.
He, however, said government is prepared to manage the anticipated weather conditions and maintain electricity supply, barring unforeseen technical challenges.
The Minister further revealed that his ministry is providing early guidance to the business community to enable them prepare for possible power supply challenges.
Community Feedback