IEC: Mbeya Cement, coal firm sign supply deal
July 18, 2011
Tanzania Daily News
Anne Robi
The Mbeya Cement Company has signed a contract with Tancoal Energy for importing coal to ensure reliable supply of power.
Speaking at a brief signing ceremony in Dar es Salaam yesterday, the General Manager for Mbeya Cement, Mr. Mauve Ngunze, said that Tancoal Energy was prepared to invest money for supplying the coal for the organization.
“We are happy to see a local mining company prepared to invest money to ensure we have a reliable long term supply for Tanzania and our organization.”
“The Company has always looked to support the local industries where there were opportunities and this is an important step,” he said.
On the other hand, the Chairman of Intra Energy Corporation, Mr. Graeme Robertson, said the importation of the substitute will save valuable foreign exchange and enhance industrialization.
“Apart from that, the importation of the coal will help generate additional infrastructure and local employment,” he added. Tanzania currently imports coal from South Africa.
Meanwhile, Tancoal Energy in collaboration with National Development Corporation(NDC) has plans to build coal fired power stations in Songea and Dar es Salaam to save as a critical element in energy security for the country.
“This is a long term project, for now we are focusing on how Intra Energy in conjunction with Tancoal and NDC can build and operate the stations,” he said.
The utilization of coal by industries will replace expensive diesel and save forests, Mr. Robertson said. He said stations will generate 100mw.