Tanzania eyes to have six times its current power generation capacity by 2025 through funding in thermal and renewable energy, said deputy energy minister Subira Mgalu.

The East African country boasts reserves of over 57 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of natural gas, but still faces periodic power shortages.

 “Applications of distinct power generation projects will increase the capacity of our national power grid from 1,602 megawatts presently to 10,000 megawatts by 2025,” Mgalu told Parliament.

Tanzania predicts to export surplus electricity to energy-starved nations in eastern and southern Africa once it has strengthened its generation capacity.

“We need to have ample and reliable power from an energy mix that contain hydropower, natural gas, solar and wind,” Mgalu said.

The government awarded a tender last year to a joint venture of Egyptian companies, El Sewedy Electric Co and Arab Contractors, to build a $3 billion hydroelectric plant at Stiegler’s Gorge that will produce 2,100 MW upon completion in three years’ time.