First COSTECH scientific and technological conference: Science and technology for growth and poverty reduction in Tanzania

Hydroelectricity is the main source of electricity in Tanzania because about 96 % of the electricity generated is from this source. During the dry season there is normally a shortage of water in the dams and as such the electricity generated is below the demand. In 2004 a natural gas power plant was inaugurated to alleviate this shortage of electricity. When generating electricity from natural gas, exotic gases are emitted which pollute our environment. This source of energy also cannot regenerate itself within the human life scale. Wind is a renewable source that can be used to supplement the shortage of hydroelectricity in Tanzania. Wind speed data collected from a location with high wind energy potential shows that electricity can be generated from the wind to alleviate this shortage of hydroelectricity. Wind and rainfall data demonstrate further that the windy season, which is from July to November coincide with dry season in which the use of wind energy in electric generation can help to fill the gap of the hydroelectricity that prevails during that season. The use of wind instead of natural gas will reduce the environmental pollution that results from this fossil fuel source. (author)