WSHPDR_2013_Final_Report-updated_version

Figure 4 Map of potential small renewable power sites in the United Republic of Tanzania
Source: Michael 6
In the on-going small-hydro inventory studies which are
being carried out by TANESCO, and financed by the
Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MEM), a total of 131
small hydro sites countrywide with a total capacity of
250 MW have been identified. The study comprised
both desk studies and fieldwork. Reconnaissance studies
of new potential sites and confirmation of existing
information have been completed for Rukwa, Kagera
and Ruvuma regions. Further studies in collaboration
with the Rural Energy Agency have been carried out in
Iringa, Mbeya, Morogoro and Kigoma regions.
Another study that focused on the mini hydropower
potentials was the Rural Electrification Master Plan
study that was commissioned by MEM and
implemented by TANESCO. The objectives of the Rural
Electrification Master Plan study was to examine the
technical, economic, social, and environmental aspects
of a lowest-cost solution of supplying electricity to unelectrified
rural areas, defining appropriate programmes
and priority projects for expansion of the electricity
networks, as well as development of renewable energy
supply systems for the country over 15-20 years. In
addition to other sources of electricity, five small hydro
sites from the small hydropower database were
appraised during this study.
All projects in Tanzania need to demonstrate that they
take care of the environmental issues in their plans.
Under these regulations it is mandatory to undertake
full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for all
projects with capacities above 1 MW. For projects with
capacities below 1 MW, it is necessary to take into
consideration of the environmental issues in their plans
by undertaking simplistic Environmental Impact Studies
(EIS). The National Environmental Management Council
is responsible for approving the EIA/EIS conducted.
Below is a list of pre-feasibility studies conducted in
2009/2010 by the Rural Energy Agency.
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