Tanzania Launches Continent's Second-Largest CNG Station: A Pioneering Move Toward Clean Energy
Tanzania Launches East Africa’s Second-Largest CNG Mother Station to Advance Clean Energy Mobility
1. Major Infrastructure Milestone for Clean Energy
In a groundbreaking move toward sustainable transport, Tanzania inaugurated Africa’s second-largest Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) mother station in Dar es Salaam. Strategically positioned near the Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit (UDART) corridor, this $18.9 million facility is poised to transform urban mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and lower dependence on conventional petroleum fuels.
The station has a daily capacity of 4.2 million cubic meters of gas and can simultaneously fuel up to eight vehicles, servicing approximately 1,200 vehicles daily. Deputy Minister for Energy Judith Kapinga, who officiated the launch, hailed the project as a “long-term solution to fuel shortages and long queues at stations.”
2. Economic and Environmental Advantages
During the launch, Deputy Minister Kapinga stressed the government's dedication to transitioning towards cleaner and more sustainable energy. She noted that electronic payment systems would be implemented at the station to enhance transparency and operational efficiency.
She further emphasized the cost-efficiency of CNG, stating:
“A weekly trip that costs TSh 100,000 on petrol can now be done with only TSh 27,000 using CNG. It’s not just environmentally friendly—it’s financially smart.”
3. Integration into Public Transport: UDART Goes Green
The event also marked the debut of Tanzania’s first CNG-powered public bus, a significant step in the UDART initiative to replace diesel-fueled vehicles with greener alternatives.
According to UDART Director Waziri Kindamba, the new bus will operate on the Morocco–Kivukoni route, offering free rides for one week to UDART cardholders as part of a public trial.
The bus, which can carry 155 passengers, is equipped with air conditioning and USB charging ports—features that significantly improve commuter comfort.
Kindamba commented:
“No more suffering under Dar’s scorching sun—and no more worries about uncharged phones thanks to onboard power access.”
4. Addressing Urban Transit Gaps
Despite this advancement, Kindamba acknowledged that public transit challenges remain. Between 2017 and 2018, studies indicated that the city needed between 263 and 305 buses for optimal operation, while only 80–100 are currently functional.
He revealed that this demonstration unit is the first of 100 CNG-powered buses expected to be delivered soon, although previous legal hurdles had delayed procurement.
“We are still on track to meet our initial goals ahead of schedule,” he added, pointing to ongoing deliveries aimed at reducing traffic and commuter stress in the coming weeks.
5. Expanding Clean Energy Access Across Tanzania
The CNG station was built under the supervision of the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) and forms part of a broader national clean energy strategy.
According to Emmanuel Gilbert, Acting Head of TPDC’s Gas Division, procurement has started for five mobile CNG stations targeting areas like Dodoma and Morogoro.
He also mentioned collaboration with private firms to establish 80 approved outlets nationwide, with 10 full-scale CNG hubs expected to be operational by 2026.
6. Industrial and Medical Applications
The initiative also supports industrial efficiency and medical production, with dedicated workshops promoting innovation in the use of natural gas. These technologies are expected to lower production costs for various sectors, compared to traditional fossil-fuel methods.
7. Societal Impact and Vision for the Future
Ambassador Ombeni Sefue, board chairman overseeing project execution, concluded the ceremony by acknowledging the social impact:
“For years, Tanzanians have endured long queues for fuel. Those days are soon to be history—this project marks a historic turning point in our national energy journey.”
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