Overview 

Tanzania has completed the initial 50-MW for phase one of the Kishapu Solar Park, a large-scale solar photovoltaic project located in the Shinyanga Region. The project is being developed by Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO), with construction by Chinese firm Sinohydro and financing support from Agence Française de Développement (AFD) via a €130 million agreement (including transmission upgrades).

The facility is being implemented in phases, with an initial 50-MW installation already connected to Tanzania’s national electricity grid, and an expansion planned to bring the total capacity to 150 MW. The first phase is expected to generate significant clean electricity for the grid while reducing carbon emissions and improving energy reliability in northern Tanzania.

The solar facility uses utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) technology to convert sunlight into electricity and supply power directly to the national grid. Energy Output & Environmental Impact of this project include an expected annual generation of approximately 91.6 GWh, and CO? emissions estimated reduction of approximately 22,400 tonnes per year.

Key Technologies Highlighted

  • Ground-Mounted Crystalline Silicon PV Modules

The project uses utility-scale solar photovoltaic panels installed in fixed-tilt ground-mounted arrays optimized for the high solar irradiance levels of the Shinyanga region. (~5–6 kWh/m²/day).

  • Central/String Inverters & Power Conversion system

High-efficiency utility-scale inverters convert direct current (DC) generated by the solar panels into alternating current (AC) compatible with the national grid (>98–99%). These systems also provide grid-support capabilities such as reactive power control and voltage regulation to ensure stable integration into Tanzania's grid.

  • Grid Integration & Transmission Upgrades

Electricity generated by the plant is transmitted through upgraded infrastructure connected to the 220-kV Singida–Shinyanga transmission corridor, enabling stable integration of solar power into Tanzania’s power system.

  • Balance of System (BoS) Components

Additional plant infrastructure includes mounting structures designed for environmental resilience, medium-voltage collection networks, substation equipment, and digital monitoring systems used for plant performance tracking and operational management.

Key benefits

  • Expands clean electricity supply
  • Supports growing industrial and urban energy demand
  • Improves grid stability in northern Tanzania
  • Reduces greenhouse-gas emissions through clean energy generation

 

Conclusion

The Kishapu solar park represents a major milestone in Tanzania’s renewable energy development. When it is fully expanded to 150-MW, the facility will significantly increase solar generation capacity and support the country’s long-term transition toward a cleaner and more diversified power system.