By Business Insider Reporter
The Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, Dr. James Mataragio, has directed the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco) and its subsidiary, the Tanzania Geothermal Development Company (TGDC), to ensure the timely delivery of all verification equipment for the Lake Ngozi geothermal project in Rungwe District, Mbeya Region.
Dr. Mataragio issued the directive on 22 October 2025 during an inspection visit to the project site, where he found that some key equipment for geothermal resource verification had yet to arrive.
He emphasised that the project must be completed on schedule given its national importance and alignment with Tanzania’s 2015 Energy Policy.
“This project must be completed on time due to its significance to our country’s energy diversification agendaAs we develop geothermal resources, we are also implementing the National Energy Policy of 2015, which calls for a generation mix – including geothermal energy – as a key source for reliable and sustainable power,” Dr. Mataragio said.
The Lake Ngozi project, once completed, is expected to generate 70 megawatts (MW) of electricity – marking a major step in Tanzania’s long-term ambition to diversify its energy mix and reduce dependence on hydropower and fossil fuels.
Dr. Mataragio stressed that all procurement and logistical bottlenecks must be resolved immediately, directing that all required geothermal verification equipment be purchased and delivered without further delay.
He further noted that geothermal development is prioritised in Tanzania’s National Energy Compact, which runs through 2030, targeting the generation of 130 MW from geothermal resources. The initiative also supports the country’s Vision 2050, which outlines the need for a sustainable and diversified energy system to power industrialisation and inclusive growth.
“Geothermal energy offers a reliable, renewable, and baseload source of power that complements solar and hydropower,” Dr. Mataragio explained. “It will play a critical role in securing energy stability as our economy and population continue to expand.”
Providing an update on the project’s progress, TGDC General Manager Eng. Mathew Mwangomba said that geothermal resource verification at Lake Ngozi had reached 60 percdent completion, with work ongoing to confirm the heat reserve across three key wells.
“We expect to complete verification within six months,” Eng. Mwangomba said, assuring that the government’s directives would be fully implemented to ensure timely completion.
Dr. Mataragio was accompanied during the visit by the Commissioner for Electricity and Renewable Energy, Eng. Innocent Luoga, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Energy and Tanesco.
Strategic significance of Lake Ngozi Geothermal Project
The Lake Ngozi project – located near Mbeya in Tanzania’s Southern Highlands – is among the most promising geothermal prospects in East Africa. It forms part of Tanzania’s broader strategy to harness its vast geothermal potential, estimated at over 5,000 MW, primarily along the East African Rift System.
Once operational, the project will not only expand the national grid’s renewable energy capacity but also stabilise power supply in southern regions and support industrial investments in Mbeya and neighbouring areas. By tapping into geothermal energy, Tanzania aims to cut generation costs, improve energy security, and reduce carbon emissions in line with global climate commitments.
With the Lake Ngozi project advancing steadily, Tanzania is positioning itself as a future geothermal leader in the region – complementing the progress made by Kenya and Ethiopia in harnessing underground heat for sustainable power generation.
