Visit of TANESCO Management to Rusumo Project
On August 15th, 2022, TANESCO Managing Director, Mr. Maharage Chande visited the Regional Rusumo Falls Hydroelectric Project; he was accompanied by TANESCO officials among others.
The Tanzanian Utility’s visitors were received by the Managing Director of Rusumo Power Company Limited (RPCL), Eng. Ntare Karitanyi, the Plant Manager of RPCL Eng. Patrick Lwesya , the Finance and Administration Manager of RPCL Mr. Salvator Nzobonimpa and RPCL staff. TANESCO was taken to Rusumo construction sites where they witnessed the Project’s progress of constructions works.
Tanzania Electricity Supply Company (TANESCO) is one of the three off-takers of the power generated from the 80 MW Regional Rusumo Falls Hydroelectric Plant. The other two off-takers are Rwanda Energy Group (REG-EUCL) in Rwanda and REGIDESO in Burundi.
At the end of July 2022, that the overall construction progress of the Rusumo 80MW Power Plant is at 95% nearing to completion, with civil works at 97% and electromechanical works at 92.5%.. The associated three Transmission Lines Project that will directly connect from the Power Plant to the national grids of Burundi, Rwanda and Tanzania are also being completed. The construction of the Plant is being implemented by the Project Implementation Unit of NELSAP, a subsidiary program of the Nile Basin Initiative.
Transmission Lines are being executed by respective Utilities of Burundi, Rwanda and Tanzania. The generated electricity will be equally shared among the three countries each benefiting about 26MW. Tanzania transmission lines will distribute power from Rusumo to Nyakanazi substation. The Overhead Transmission Lines (OHTL) progress is at 81% and will be completed by October 2022.
In Rwanda, the Rusumo-Bugesera-Shango’s overall progress for the OHTL is at 82% and is expected to complete in October 2022 In Burundi, the Rusumo - Muyinga – Gitega substations are at 99%, their end-to-end testing is ongoing and the OHTL is at 98.5%, expecting to complete at the end of August 2022.
There are ongoing discussion between RPCL and the three Utilities (REGIDESO, REG-EUCL and TANESCO) in order to sign the Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) before the end of October 2022.
After a tour to the switchyard site, TANESCO Managing Director stated his appreciation on the construction work done and committed that TANESCO will endeavor to complete the transmission lines project on time.
Photo during visit at the Rusumo Powerhouse:
(L) RPCL Managing Director, Eng. Ntare KARITANYI, (M) TANESCO Managing Director, Mr. MAHARAGE Chande, (R)
RPCL Plant Manager Eng. Patrick Lwesya, Aug 15th, 2022
TANESCO Managing Director (L) escorted by RPCL Managing Director (R) during visit to the Dam and Power Intake, during his visit to Rusumo construction site, Aug 15th, 2022
TANESCO Managing Director (R) escorted by RPCL Plant Manager Director (L) discussing with during his visit to Rusumo construction site, Aug 15th, 2022