Tanzania Shuts Down 5 Hydroelectric Stations to Address Excess Power Generation

In a move to balance the national power grid, Tanzania has shut down five hydroelectric stations to reduce excess electricity. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa announced that the closures come as a result of the country’s main hydroelectric plant, the Mwalimu Nyerere Hydroelectric Station, generating more electricity than is currently needed.

The state-run power company, Tanesco, mentioned that this temporary shutdown was due to the low demand for electricity and the high production from the hydroelectric stations. “We have turned off all these stations because the demand is low and the electricity production is too much; we have no allocation now,” a Tanesco official explained.

One of the major power plants, the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Dam, with a capacity of 2,115 MW, has nearly filled with water following the heavy rains that began earlier this year. The additional power from this plant has provided enough electricity to meet the needs of major cities, including Dar es Salaam, the country’s commercial hub.

The decision to shut down these hydroelectric stations is unprecedented for Tanzania, a country known for its chronic power shortages. Recent extreme weather events have caused significant damage in Tanzania and neighboring East African nations like Kenya. The heavy rains and flooding have resulted in at least 58 deaths across Tanzania. The increased water flow into the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Dam, while helpful for power generation, has also contributed to the recent excess electricity production.

Despite the closures, the government assures citizens that the power supply to major urban centers remains stable, thanks to the continued operation of the Mwalimu Nyerere Hydroelectric Station and other energy sources.