Meru Crater, Tanzania, (Source: TGDC)
The initiative includes two core components: a detailed surface exploration study of the Meru geothermal site and targeted training to enhance local expertise in geothermal resource assessment, planning, and development. It will also promote inclusive engagement with Indigenous peoples and local communities throughout the project lifecycle. TGDC will contribute expertise in geothermal on field data collection as counterpart, facilitating the team by providing key policies in line with the Tanzania Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). Furthermore, TGDC will introduce the team to all project stakeholders and secure an access to the project area.
The work will be carried out in collaboration with climate and geothermal specialists from Oxfam Consults and TownRock Energy, a leading UK-based geothermal energy company, and specialist consultancy Aquarius Resources.
This partnership, a first under the Climate Action Africa initiative in Tanzania, marks a significant milestone in Canada–Tanzania cooperation to advance clean, renewable energy solutions. The project will strengthen Tanzania’s national energy mix by supporting low-emission geothermal development and building technical capacity within TGDC.
“This technical assistance will significantly contribute to our national efforts to diversify energy sources by increasing the country’s energy security and reduce dependence on the limited sources of energy by also strengthening TGDC’s institutional capacity in geothermal development” said Mathew Mwangomba, General Manager of TGDC.
“We’re excited to support Tanzania in unlocking its geothermal potential. This collaboration reflects a milestone in climate resilience, sustainable development, and inclusive, locally driven solutions,” added Jaime Webbe, Project Director for Climate Action Africa.
To meet the growing power demand, enhance energy security and diversify further the power generation mix, there is a need to produce additional power from renewables such as geothermal energy which is a promising technology for Tanzania. TGDC is on the lead of this initiative with development efforts in five strategic projects – Ngozi, Kiejo-Mbaka, Songwe, Luhoi, and Natron – with a target total capacity of more than 200 MW.