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Tanzania switches on very first turbine of hydro plant in World Heritage Site

Tanzania has actually changed on the very first turbine of a new hydroelectric plant set to double power generation capability however which has drawn stiff opposition from conservationists since of its area in a. U.N.designated World Heritage Website.

Doto Biteko, energy minister and deputy prime minister, said. while checking out the 2,115 megawatt (MW) Julius Nyerere Hydropower. Plant on Sunday that the turbine, with a capability of 235 MW, was. now contributing power to the grid.

He stated the turbine would help reduce months-long power. rationing, adding that rationing would end when the second. turbine of the nine-turbine plant signs up with the grid next month.

Before building and construction of the hydro task began in 2019,. conservationists cautioned that building a dam on a major river. that runs through the Selous Game Reserve could affect wildlife. and their environments downstream.

The reserve is amongst the largest safeguarded areas in Africa,. harbouring one of the most significant concentrations of animals. consisting of elephant, black rhino and cheetah and a big range. of environments, according to United Nations firm UNESCO.

The government forged ahead with the task under former. President John Magufuli and his follower Samia Suluhu Hassan's. administration considers it a key part of efforts to enhance power. supply in a nation where less than half of the population has. access to electrical power.

Biteko stated the federal government would make sure all hydroelectric. projects respect water sustainability.

Before the very first turbine of the Julius Nyerere Hydropower. Plant was linked to the grid, Tanzania had an installed. generation capacity of 1,900 MW, with natural gas contributing. almost two-thirds of that amount.

(source: Reuters)