Consortium to develop small-scale HPPs, PV parks in Tanzania

May 27, 2014 - A group of four companies plan develop a series of run-of-river hydropower plants (HPPs) and a network of 5 MW-10 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) parks in Tanzania, consortium member Kastan Mining Plc said on Monday.

The Tanzania-based copper miner is teaming up with US oil and gas firm Continental Energy Corp (OTCMKTS:CPPXF), Pan African Management and Development Co Inc (Panafra) and Kitonga Power Electric Co, also known as KEPOCO, to create a renewable energy company in the East African country.

The new firm, named Ruaha River Power Co Ltd, will be headquartered in Dar es Salaam and will focus on building small-scale, distributed HPPs and solar PV schemes in underserved rural markets. Its initial project for the run-of-river HPPs and several up-to-10-MW solar arrays will power an industrial park developed by Kastan in the Morogoro region. It will also be able to electrify 15 villages in the area, Kastan chief executive John Tate stated.

Commenting on the plan, Continental’s CEO Richard McAdoo said it aligns with the US oil and gas company’s strategy to diversify into a broader range of energy provider activities.

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