The centerpiece of the project will be construction of the largest solar farm ever built on college campus anywhere in the world, totaling 55MW of solar generation. The first phase of that project will provide solar power to UDOM campus, including dormitories, lecture halls, research centers, and the medical complex.

 

Electricity is expected to flow from this first phase of the UDOM solar farm by the middle of next year. The second phase of the project will provide solar electricity to the central Dodoma Region and is expected to be in service by the end of 2016. Construction of this utility- scale project is part of UDOM strategy to establish itself as a global center of excellence in renewable energy and sustainability.

 

Ensuring that Tanzania will have trained workforce, research scientists, and entrepreneurs to lead the way on the African continent when it comes to deployment of clean, energy.

 

To achieve this goal, UDOM has established a strategic partnership with Ohio State University (OSU), one of USA’s largest research universities with an international reputation in food, water, energy and health.

 

Attending a press conference launching the solar project and a new College of Renewable Energy and Sustainability was Mr Marty Kress, the head of OSU’s Global Water Institute.“The OSU is honored to partner with UDOM to make the new School of Renewable Energy a reality.

 

This transformational educational programme will train the workforce of tomorrow, stimulate the growth of new firms and businesses, enable transition of renewable energy systems to rural Tanzania, and open the door to collaborative research projects between both schools,” stated Mr Kress.

Source : in2eastafrica.net