Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) has announced that its Sh14.5 billion natural gas compression project, designed to compress natural gas for use in vehicles, industries, institutions, and households, is now 80 percent complete.
Once finished, the project is expected to transform the country’s natural gas distribution sector.
During a site inspection at the project’s final construction stages in Ubungo, Dar es Salaam, Dr James Mataragio, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, shared that the facility will serve as the central hub for supplying natural gas to smaller stations, including those operated by private entities.
The project consists of two major components: a workshop and gas compression units, both of which are nearly finished, with 90 percent of the work already completed.
Dr Mataragio also revealed that equipment testing is scheduled to begin on January 16, with the first vehicle expected to refuel at the station by the end of the month.
The facility, which has been named the “Mother Station,” is a key milestone in the country’s efforts to enhance natural gas accessibility.
Mr Aristides Kato, project manager for the SNG Project, highlighted that the station will also play a critical role in supplying natural gas to areas lacking pipeline infrastructure.
He emphasized that the project’s primary objective is to overcome the challenges faced by natural gas users, particularly vehicle owners.
The natural gas compression initiative is set to deliver significant benefits, reducing reliance on alternative energy sources, lowering living costs, and contributing to the nation’s economic growth by expanding access to affordable energy.