GAS FILLING STATION LAUNCHED IN TANZANIA

Tanzania’s Deputy Prime Minister launches the first integrated natural gas filling station and conversion center in Tanzania.

By Lenin Lumumba

TAQA Dalbit has announced the

commissioning of Tanzania’s first

integrated Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

Filling Station and Conversion Center

branded “Master gas” located at Pugu

Road-Airport Area in Dar es Salaam,

Tanzania.

The project was developed by TAQA

Dalbit, a Joint Venture (JV) between

TAQA Arabia and JCG Oil & Gas, to

bolster the Tanzania Petroleum

Development Corporation’s resolve to

increase the use of its natural gas

reserves, which offers a cleaner and

cheaper alternative to consumers.

Hon. Dr. Doto Mashaka Biteko, Deputy

Prime Minister and Minister of Energy

of Tanzania, who presided over the

commissioning ceremony, lauded TAQA

Arabia and JCG Oil & Gas for their

joint investment and support to the

government. He noted that:

“We are on the cusp of a transformative

shift in Tanzania’s energy landscape.

With the dedication and foresight of

industry leaders like TAQA Dalbit, we

are ushering in an era of sustainable

energy solutions. The new CNG Filling

Station and Conversion Center is a

monumental achievement by TAQA Dalbit,

demonstrating our nation’s

technological prowess and commitment to

an sustainable, greener, and

economically efficient future.”

CNG-powered passenger vehicles are

estimated to emit about 25% less CO2,

CNG is on average, 50% cheaper for the

consumer than liquid fuel. This

filling station will increase

consumption of clean energy that has

minimal carbon content and is

environmentally friendly.

The CNG Station has a capacity of

11,000 KG of CNG (7600 sqm of

compressed gas) capable of serving up

to 800 vehicles daily, while the

conversion center will have the

capacity to convert 1,000

vehicles/year. The conversion center

will be able to convert all types of

vehicles from passenger cars, multi-

utility vehicles, sports utility

vehicles, buses, and trucks.

The CNG station is the first of 12

stations TAQA Dalbit plans to deploy in

the coming years in Tanzania to

support the government’s strategic

plans and increase the use of CNG as a

cleaner, more affordable alternative

fuel.

Rikin Shah, Group CEO of JCG, speaking

during the ceremony, noted that:

“JCG Oil & Gas is pleased to with work

TAQA Arabia and the Tanzania Government

to utilize the nation’s natural gas

supplies with the go-live of our first

TAQA Dalbit station. Through this joint

venture, the Group’s vision of

building a sustainable future is being

realized. The provision of a

combination of Natural Gas and

traditional fuels will help us move our

vision forward. We have been present

in Tanzania for the last 15 years

providing fuel solutions through Dalbit

Tanzania, which was established in

2008. Natural gas is a more sustainable

alternative energy source compared to

petrol and diesel. Coming at a time

when the cost of living is rising,

motorists will be happy to know that

this CNG station will provide a cheaper

alternative for their daily vehicle

use and that they can seamlessly

convert their vehicles at our center.”

Announcing the commissioning, Ms.

Pakinam Kafafi, CEO of TAQA Arabia,

said:

“We’re delighted to announce the

commissioning of Tanzania’s inaugural

integrated CNG Filling Station and

Conversion Center in Dar es Salaam. We

consider this as a major milestone for

TAQA Arabia as we join hands with JCG

and the Tanzanian government, marking a

significant stride in our commitment

to serving Tanzania’s energy needs

while aligning with the nation’s energy

vision. TAQA Arabia, a leading energy

provider and a pioneer in CNG

technology, is thrilled to bring this

cost-effective and eco-friendly

solution to Tanzania, enhancing

economic growth, and reducing

emissions. With its know-how, and track

record of successful energy projects,

TAQA Arabia is willing to support

Tanzania in benefiting from its gas

reserves and great energy potential in

the most effective, efficient, and

sustainable solutions. TAQA Arabia is

looking also to add greater value to

clients either with natural gas

distribution, conventional and

renewable power generation and

distribution, and other utility

services that the company provides