MTWAU ENERGY PROJECT: An industrial opportunity in Lindi ... East... · OCTOBER 27-NOVEMBER 2. 2008...
Transcript of MTWAU ENERGY PROJECT: An industrial opportunity in Lindi ... East... · OCTOBER 27-NOVEMBER 2. 2008...
OCTOBER 27-NOVEMBER 2. 2008
MTWAU ENERGY PROJECT: An industrial opportunity in Lindi andMtwara
The 12MW power generation facility at Mtwara. fuaturing six 2MW gas-to-electrlcity generators. Picture/ARTUMAS
By JIMMY SCHULTE
THE Mtwara Energy Project (MEP) is an integrated
gas-to-power project that provides reliable. accessible and affordable electricity to end users in the Mtwara and Undi regions. Artumas' 12 MW gas.flred power station in Mlwara is expandable to meet energy demand growth long into the future.
The upgrade of the regional transmission and distribution system will link ap three isolated networks allowing full displacement of aging dieselfired generators that historically have proved unreliable and expensive. due to the high cost of fuel, operations. and maintenance.
AFtumas Group Inc.• an independent oil and gas exploration and production company operate the MEP. Headquartered in Calgary, Canada. and listed on tbe Oslo Stock Exchange, its main operations are focused in East Africa, particularly Tanzania and Mozambique.
Late in 2006, the first power from the MEP was distributed to Mtwara. Until then, the region was limited to unreliable and expensive generation options and as a consequence Mtwa'ra and Lindi remained ignored by commercial and industrial investors.
The lack of reliable electricity overshadowed the region's abundance of natural resources, market access potential and under utilized labour force. choking inveStment in the region and in turn curbing the development of economy-driven infrastructure developments. such as roads, electrical grids, modern hospitals and other social in:stitutions.
The one notable exception was the development of a fully functioning, deep-water harbour facility at Mtwara, established to tranship the annual cashew harvest to export markets (and largely under utilized otherwise).
WIth the introduction of reliable, affordable energy, one of the major barriers to economic growth in the region has been removed. Commer~ cial and industrial interests are re-examining the region and re-assessing the UDtapped potential for nearly all economic sectors, including agribusinesses, mining, forestry. livestock, fishing, tourism and light to heavy industry.
In Mtwara, tbe immediate effects of electricity availability were apparent after only a few months. Residents in the region began selling cold drinks, children were able to enjoy ice cream, and water autl10rities were able to guarantee a steady water supply, no longer relying on high
cost, unreliable diesel generators to operate their water pumps.
Complementing the introduction of reliable electricity supply. new government reforms and programs are setting the table for further economic expansion.
As part of the Tanzania Development Vision (Vision 2025). the Mtwara Development Corridor - which links inland Tanzania, Malawi and zambia to foreign markets was identified as a priority for government and private investment.
Strategic infrastructure developments. public support. and private investments will enable the Mtwara Development Corridor-with Mtwara harbour as its export focusto act as a gateway to the international economy.
One of the key steps in this transformation is the establishment of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Mtwara. The Special Economic Zone Act provides incentives to export oriented investments through the Tanzania Investment Centre.
Under the program. 2,600 hectares adjacent to the Mtwara Port and in close proximity to Artumas' generation facilities have been set aside for industrial development. This area offers access to deep-water harbour shipping services, institutional investor support, and regional and international market access.
Following the arrival of commercial interests in the region. projects to implement and improve social infrastructure will gain momentum.
The government's facilitation of industrial and commercial investment will enable private investors and public agencies to focus on modernizing schools. hospitals and community centres, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for employees, clients and the current citizens of the region.
Over the next 5-6 years, the MEP will connect electricity to some 46,000 households in Lindi and Mtwara Region, reo ducing carbon dioxide emissions and improving the standard oflivlng for average citizens.
The connection costs will be affordable and will utilize ready-board meters, which do not require electrical wiring, allowing'all households to enjoy the full benefits of clean, reliable power.
In addition to the provision of electricity, Artumas actively engages in design and delivery of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs through the Artumas Africa Foundation, a not-forprofit entity designed to lev
erage Artumas' contributions and understood by the memand maximize the positive im bers of communities inwhich pacts of the Company's pres the company is operating. ence in the region. Strong, transparent rela
he Foundation maintains tionships based on trust and regular communication with respect allows Artumas to eflocal interest groups and com fectively and efficiently carry munity and political leaders, out operations to the mutual ensuring that these initiatives benefit of all stakeholders. and strategies are welcome
Mtwara Energy Project ARTUMAS
Why Invest in Mtwara?
Electricity Supply - arguably the most reliable in East Africa
Natural Gas Supply - for all your thermal heating needs
Industrial Sites - available near the Mtwara harbor
Deepwater Port - fully developed with container handling services
Airport - all weather, with daily flights from Dar es Salaam
Road Infrastructure - all weather road to Dar es Salaam
Export Opportunities - access to Southern Africa markets
Business Opportunities - in agri-business, mining, forestry, livestock, light to large industries, social infrastructure, and much more
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