Background
From 2003 through 2005 Tanzania experienced severe drought all over the country, resulting in lower water levels in the major hydropower reservoirs. TANESCO received funds from the government of the United Republic of Tanzania to finance, on urgent basis, the emergency power generation project to bridge the gap of power supply in the National grid, caused by the drought.
TANESCO engaged M/S Lahmeyer International of Germany for consulting services and contracted M/S Wärtsilä Company of Finland for the construction of TANESCO owned 100MW Gas Plat at Ubungo.
The Gas Plant is using locally available Songo songo natural gas as a source of fuel. The Plant is installed with twelve generating units each with a capacity of 8.73MW totaling an installed capacity of 104 MW. The available capacity for twelve generating units is 102.5 MW. The Plant is interconnected with the National Grid through Ubungo National Grid Substation.
Power Plant O&M contract between TANESCO and WÄRTSILÄ TANZANIA LIMITED
TANESCO entered into a two year operation and maintenance contract with Wärtsilä Tanzania Limited. The O&M contract started on 30th July, 2008. The main purpose of the O&M contract within two years is to run and maintain the Gas Plant and transfer the knowledge and hands on training to TANESCO staff earmarked to operate and maintain the Plant after the O&M contract.
Power Plant Inauguration
The Power Plant commercial operation date was declared to be on 30th July 2008.The Plant was officially inaugurated by the President of the United Republic of Tanzania his Excellency Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete on 4th November 2008.
Power Plant
Ubungo Gas Plant has an available capacity of 102.5 MW. The Power Plant Generation started on 30th July 2008 for all twelve Generating units.