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Songwe Hydroelectric Power Station

Coordinates: 09°27′11″S 33°05′47″E / 9.45306°S 33.09639°E / -9.45306; 33.09639
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Songwe Hydroelectric Power Station
Songwe Hydroelectric Power Station is located in Tanzania
Songwe Hydroelectric Power Station
Map of Tanzania showing the location of
Songwe Hydroelectric Power Station
Songwe Hydroelectric Power Station is located in Africa
Songwe Hydroelectric Power Station
Songwe Hydroelectric Power Station (Africa)
Songwe Hydroelectric Power Station is located in Earth
Songwe Hydroelectric Power Station
Songwe Hydroelectric Power Station (Earth)
CountryTanzania
Coordinates09°27′11″S 33°05′47″E / 9.45306°S 33.09639°E / -9.45306; 33.09639
PurposePower
StatusProposed
Owner(s)Joint Songwe River Basin Commission
Dam and spillways
ImpoundsSongwe River
Commission date2022 (expected)
TypeReservoir
Installed capacity180 MW (240,000 hp)
Website
Tanesco website

Songwe Hydroelectric Power Station, also Songwe Power Station, is a proposed hydropower plant, with planned capacity installation of 180 megawatts (240,000 hp) when completed.[1] Other related developments include the development of more dams for both power generation and irrigation purposes, and the creation of a Joint River Basin Authority.[2]

Location

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The power station would be located on the Songwe River, straddling the common border between Tanzania and Malawi. Its location is south of the town of Itumba, approximately 115 kilometres (71 mi), south of Mbeya, the headquarters of Mbeya District.[3]

Overview

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This power station is the first to be developed by the Joint Songwe River Basin Commission, co-owned by the Government of Tanzania and the Government of Malawi.[4] The power station design calls for the creation of a reservoir, to be used for power generation and irrigation purposes in both countries.[5]

As of May 2017, the feasibility studies and environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) had been completed. The final design had been agreed upon. Commitment of funding from potential investors was being sought.[5]

Construction

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The African Development Bank (AfDB) funded the feasibility and design studies. The final design report was expected at the end of 2015. Other administrative and funding matters were expected to conclude in 2016. Construction was expected to start after that and conclude in 2022. Each country will be allocated 90 megawatts (120,000 hp) from this project.[1]

The total cost of the project is quoted at US$829 million, to be shared equally by the two countries. The AfDB has expressed willingness to fund this project.[5][6]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b US Government (22 February 2017). "Malawi Country Commercial Guide: Malawi Energy: Mpatamanga Hydroelectric Power Station". Washington, DC: Department of Commerce, United States Government. Retrieved 20 April 2018.
  2. ^ Lahmeyer International (20 February 2013). "Songwe River Basin Development Programme between Malawi and Tanzania". Bad Vilbel, Germany: Lahmeyer International. Retrieved 20 April 2018.
  3. ^ "Road Distance Between Mbeya, Tanzania and Isongole, Tanzania" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  4. ^ Elizabeth Ingram (24 May 2017). "MOU Signed to Develop Songwe River Basin Program, including 180-MW Hydropower Facility". Hydroworld.com. Retrieved 20 April 2018.
  5. ^ a b c Malawi Voice (18 May 2017). "Unity Of Purpose: Malawi, Tanzania Agree To develop Songwe River Basin Into Economic Hub, Court Donors". Malawi Voice. Limbe, Malawi. Retrieved 20 April 2018.
  6. ^ Jean Marie Takouleu (22 March 2019). "Malawi/Tanzania: Alliance for Songwe River Basin development". Afrik21.africa. Paris, France. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
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