AFRICA of that programme , because we ’ re part of the solution in Tanzania .”

Whittaker has 35 years of experience in energy , including 25 in power generation . Having worked for big industry names like Powergen , E . ON , and Sumitomo , Whittaker took on his current role with Songas in 2015 , and has been applying his expertise to the well-established company ever since this time .

When Songas ’ business began , it was the only gas fired generator in the country and it supplied between 30-50 % of the electricity in Tanzania . While it is more like 25 %, the company remains an extremely important part of the local electricity generation sector . This is due in part to its very high availability ( 98 %) and a load factor of 92 %.

“ Songas is very important to Tanzania because it ’ s reliable and

we ’ re constantly generating ,” explains Whittaker . “ We are running 24 / 7 , and our electricity is the cheapest thermal generator in East Africa ; we sell to TANESCO at about six cents a kilowatt .” This not only benefits citizens wanting electricity from a clean , reliable , cost-effective source , but ensures that Songas remains a top choice as a supplier . Globeleq , one of Songas ’ shareholders , is dedicated to power development in Africa and works hard to supply electricity on the continent , a known driver for social and economic development .

Using Tanzanian gas , Songas can continue to provide electricity more economically than the fuel oil generators which have to import the gas into the country ; this has saved Tanzania billions of US dollars

www . energydigital . com 73