Australia’s Windlab to build first-ever Wind Farm in Tanzania

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Australia’s global renewable energy development company Windlab Limited will build the first ever wind farm in Tanzania – after it received an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Certificate for its East African project through its branch, Windlab Developments Tanzania Ltd. The long awaited project will spur the country’s economic growth with its addition in the energy sector.

The Miombo Hewani Wind Power Station is set to produce close to 300 megawatts. The project will diversify Tanzania’s electricity sources as it plans to electrify more homes. It will offer economic value to start-up’s and companies in need of electricity supply for the normalised functioning of their operations. This will lead to a ripple effect in the growth of the industrialisation sector. Poor infrastructure such as the lack of a reliable power sources has hindered the growth and development of a number of regions within the country, and the realisation of the country’s potential.

Windlab Limited has a technological advantage that has seen the company establish a number of successful hi-tech wind farms across the globe, such as in: Australia, New Zealand and Southern Africa. For Tanzania, it is the first in the country, adding to its tally of successful businesses. The company has developed over 50 wind farm projects around these destinations

The Miombo Hewani project is expected to generate revenue for the Government, with its services to reach many citizens. There have been prospects for jobs creation in the wind farm, which Tanzanian citizens could enjoy. Development of infrastructure has been a priority in East African countries, and this being one of them – will set the tone for the others in the region.

The construction of the entire station will be done in phases, noting that it is a major development project. The first phase of the investment that will include the setting up of 34 turbines is estimated to be in the region of $300 million. By the end of this stage, the turbines will produce at least 100 megawatts. This will be a noteworthy addition and contribution to the national grid.

It is believed that by the end of the whole project, one million average-sized homes will be powered with electricity. The elimination of darkness, as it is, would play a major role in Africa’s plan to electrify more homes – to bolster development in the country. The energy sector is still in need of more investors, and Windlab hopes to secure more partners to fund the project.

Having well established itself back at home, the company is plotting to build another empire in Africa. The continent has great-untapped potential, and its economy is evolving rapidly – with foreign investors looking to have a piece of the pie.

-Source: African Strategic-Ventures (ASV) & The Exchange.