Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO) has awarded Multiconsult consultancy contracts for the 222MW Rumakali and 358MW Ruhudji Hydropower and transmission lines projects in Tanzania.

Multiconsult will undertake feasibility studies, prepare the conceptual design and tender documents, and conduct environmental and social impact assessment studies for the two proposed hydropower projects and associated transmission lines.

The Rumakali and Rhuhudji projects are both located in the Njombe region and could double the total installed hydropower capacity in Tanzania, from 562MW to 1,142MW.

“We are proud to participate in the energy development in Tanzania by being awarded these large and important projects,” said Hilde Gillebo, EVP Energy in Multiconsult.

“The Rumakali and Ruhudji hydropower projects will be significant in meeting the country’s increasing electricity demand. Despite a huge hydropower and solar potential, only an estimated 36.6% of the population in Tanzania currently has access to electricity. The Tanzania government has set aggressive electrification targets, aiming to achieve 75% electrification by 2035.”

The projects are scheduled to start immediately and are planned to be completed by the third quarter of 2021. Norplan Tanzania and Tanzania Photomap will act as subcontractors to Multiconsult, according to a press release.

With specialist competence on renewable energy, Multiconsult has delivered services to a wide portfolio of renewable energy projects in Tanzania. The company’s other current engagements in the country include various transmission and distribution and electrification projects, including a plan for rural electrification, water resource management projects and solar projects.

The company’s recent hydro engagements in Africa include the Kakono hydropower plant in Tanzania, 88-MW Mount Coffee in Liberia and other small hydropower projects in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Zambia.