Tanzania’s Kishapu Solar Delay Highlights Challenges in Grid Upgrades

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The Kishapu solar project, seen as a key step in diversifying Tanzania’s electricity mix, has had the commissioning of its first 50 MW phase postponed to the first quarter of 2026.
 Developed by the state utility TANESCO and supported by €130 million in funding from the French Development Agency (AFD), the plant was initially expected to enter service in late 2024 or early 2025.

According to SolarQuarter, Tanzanian authorities blame the delay on difficulties integrating solar power into the national grid. The variable output of photovoltaic generation requires technical upgrades to ensure system stability, which the government says is a priority.

This issue was already factored into the AFD-backed project. The financing agreement covers both the 50 MW solar plant and the modernization of TANESCO’s transmission and distribution network.

The Kishapu project underlines that expanding solar capacity must go hand in hand with grid upgrades. As Tanzania seeks to diversify its mix and reduce reliance on natural gas, which accounted for 70% of electricity generation in 2023, it will need to modernize its network.

Source: Wikipedia