Cleantech
Energy
Background:
Serengeti Genesis is an American-based research organization which
actively develops and manages scientific program developments in
Tanzania, East Africa. 2003-2006 seasons involved projects ranging
from mapping and databasing geo-thermal energy sites through-out
the country of Tanzania to full archeology excavations in the World
Heritage Site, Serengeti National Park.
Our
current Tanzanian project requires seed funding for the feasability
study and project plan devlopment for the construction of a wind
energy farm in Tanzania.
This
intended collaborative project aims to develop the project plan
for the wind farm.
Tanzanian
Wind Energy Farm: This project is intended to bring together
a small interdisciplinary collabortaion in its development. Suggested
team partners would include a global foundation, a global energy
company, the Tanzania Council on Science and Technology; and most
likely the Office of the Vice President of Tanzania.
Historically there have been many projects to harness wind energy
in Tanzania, several studies have been carried out, only to provide
inconclusive results and no plan for an actual project. This can
simply be attributed to previous lack of technology and most importantly
funding. A clear understanding is needed of the country’s
wind patterns; detailed studies would be required at multiple locations
to ascertain the optimum site for generation.
Data indicators all point to Tanzania having favorable conditions
for wind harvesting. Analysis of available results show that the
wind speed is subject to seasonal difference, but in the correct
locations there would be sufficient movement to generate power all
year round, with mean minimum annual averages in key sites of over
the 4.5m/s. The dry season in Tanzania is often when the existing
power generation is restricted due to falling levels in the hydro
electricity catchment dams. These dry seasons, fortunately are when
the higher average wind speeds were recorded. Thus a natural balance
could be found in environmentally sound energy generation.
An
ideal situation would be to locate a wind farm close to an already
existing power generation facility; this would naturally minimize
the set up costs and negate the need for laying new high voltage
transmission lines. Two such sites that have been previously highlighted
are Makambako and Mtera. Makambako, was highlighted in previous
wind mapping studies by GTZ in the 1980’s. There is currently
a plan to construct a coal fired station near this site at Kiwira.
Mtera Hydro-electric facility has also been noted as a potential
for wind energy generation. An additional benefit to this site would
be the ability to store excess electricity by pumping water back
to the dam. In this way excess wind energy would later generate
hydro-electric power.
In
the previous surveys the areas of Basuto and Setchet showed very
promising results with annual averages constantly above the minimum
for wind harvesting. Again more detailed studies of these sites
would be required.
Finally, consideration should be given to the people of the land.
In Maa, the language of the Maasai a number of places are called
“Ol donyo Sambo”, which literally translates to “Windy
Place.” The feasibility study would set up a point of liaison
with key elders within different Maasai communities to highlight
new areas of interest to research further.
Conceptual
funding to date has come from Serengeti Genesis.
Significance: The Tanzanian Wind Energy project
addresses the very significant need of developing realiable, sustainable
and green-tech energy capacity in East Africa. Only
11% of the population of 39 million is currently connected to main
grid electricity, which in itself is an indicator of the potential
for growth in demand over the coming years. Between 2003 –
2006 load growth rate has been over 8%, despite extended periods
of power shedding.
Tanzania
has substandard electrical generating capacity. Historically, over
90% of the country’s energy production was from Hydro facilities.
Due to poor hydrological conditions the inflow of water to the dams
has dropped dramatically. This resulted in 2006’s production
level dropping to 30% of the country’s need, forcing the government
to enforce extended periods of power shedding for nearly one year.
Damage to the economy during this period is unquantifiable as the
knock on effect would have filtered down to the very lowest level
of commerce; figures for small traders are not recorded, so it can
only be estimated to run it tens of millions of dollars in unnecessary
losses. Additionally a number of other contributing factors have
destabilized the growth of power production. Much of the existing
equipment is obsolete or badly maintained. Subsequently the government
has entered into several rental agreements with third parties to
assist with the energy deficit; again these projects are reliant
on gas, coal and diesel.
The Market: Tanzania GDP per capita is $800 and
has been growing dramatically from $200 per capita in 1998, outstripping
existing infrastructure and energy production. The country is on
the edge of an economic boom, tourism is hitting an all time high
and investment from overseas is rapidly increasing. The need for
an environmentally sound, stable power source is clear. The development
of a Wind Farm could well just be the first step in building a lasting
foundation to the growth and expansion of Tanzania’s economy
and infrastructure.
Tanzania’s
geographical location places it ideally to become a leading exporter
of power in the region. This cross-border trading would not only
solve an ongoing issue in the area but also contribute to the country’s
economic growth. With the addition of a 100MW wind farm this could
easily become a reality. Currently Tanzania imports 13MW from neighboring
Uganda and Zambia.
From an environmental and economic stance this is certainly a positive
development.
Environmental Considerations: Any project would
have to be linked with the fragile balance in the environment, often
in the past even what is seen as a “green” alternative
can have environmental consequence. For example, diverting a river
for hydro-electric power generation can have a dramatic impact on
eco-systems that are reliant on the current path of the river’s
flow. Key concerns with wind farms are the impact to birdlife, in
particular, raptors. The area s highlighted have good visibility
so should not pose a significant threat to predatory birds. Initial
contact has been made with the Bird Atlas Researchers based in the
Manyara region and they have expressed interest in supporting the
project. Studies of migratory corridors would guarantee that the
location of the farm does not impact the birds’ migratory,
predatory and reproductive behaviors.
Project Management Biographies: David Gill has
spent over four and half years working in Tanzania for the premier
lodge operator. His role encompassed all aspects of property operational
and logistical management. During this period the company expanded
and took on three new properties, which involved arranging lease
agreements with local villages and communities. Whilst working in
Tanzania, David was exposed to many levels of dealing with government
and parastatal organizations. He has a working knowledge of the
area, local connections and a clear understanding of what development
is needed for a project to succeed and how to achieve it.
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