Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project Completed

Relief as Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project Reaches Completion

ARUSHA, Tanzania – March 24, 2025: The Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP), one of Tanzania’s most ambitious infrastructure undertakings, has officially been completed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, confirmed on Sunday.

Speaking at a CCM Parents Wing meeting in Arusha on March 23, Dr Biteko stated that as of March 22, 2025, the monumental energy project reached full completion with the final machine—Unit 9—formally handed over.

The Deputy Prime Minister hailed the development as a significant milestone in the country’s energy sector, aligning with national efforts to enhance electricity generation and self-sufficiency.

However, Dr Biteko also urged Tanzanians to adopt responsible electricity usage habits to ensure optimal energy conservation and minimize waste. Despite the increased generation capacity, he emphasized that consumption efficiency remains a challenge.

He noted a sharp rise in national electricity demand, which has grown from 1,470 megawatts to 1,908 megawatts. The surge reflects both industrial growth and household usage, underlining the need for energy-saving measures.

Quoting a study by the International Energy Agency (IEA), Dr Biteko revealed that approximately 30 percent of electricity is lost due to inefficient consumption patterns, particularly within households.

He illustrated common examples of wastage, saying: “You find someone in the kitchen, the television is running in the lounge, the fan is on but not used, the air conditioner is operating in the bedroom—everything is left running without being turned off.”

To address the issue, the Deputy Prime Minister called on council members to act as advocates for clean and efficient energy usage, especially in promoting cleaner cooking alternatives across the country.

The successful completion of the JNHPP marks a pivotal step in realizing the vision of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, supporting Tanzania’s long-term goals of industrialization and sustainable energy access for all.