Songas generates electricity using gas from the Songo Songo Island gas fields , off the coast of southern Tanzania. The business consists of two different operating streams, Gas Processing and Transportation and Power Generation.

Gas from the Songo Songo gas field is processed on the island at the processing facility to remove water and other hydrocarbon condensates. It is then transported through a 225 kilometre pipeline to Dar es Salaam where it is used in Songas’ Ubungo power plant, the largest gas-fired power station in East Africa. 

The facility uses six aero-derivative turbines that generate 180 megawatts (MW) of electricity or approximately 30% of Tanzania’s electricity needs. This electricity is supplied to the national electricity grid and distributed to end users by TANESCO. Songas also supplies gas for generation to approximately 30 industrial consumers. 

Songas provides a clean, reliable alternative fuel source in a country that has been heavily dependent on the region’s water supplies for hydroelectric power and the importation of expensive heavy fuel oil for other oil-fired turbines. 

The company has one of the cheapest and competitive all-in generation costs in East Africa. It sells its electricity to TANESCO at approximately 5.5 US cents per kWh (TSH65). 

By utilizing the country’s own natural gas resources, the Songas facility has substantially reduced operating costs for TANESCO and other industries in Tanzania. Over USD1.8 billion has been saved since commercial operations commenced in 2004.

 

Our Mission

Safely provide clean, reliable cost effective electricity, creating sustainable returns and supporting the development of the electricity power sector in Tanzania

 

Community

In addition to Songas demonstrating its commitment to the people of Tanzania by providing a clean and cost effective alternative choice of fuel, the company has initiated effective and dynamic community development and conservation programs.

 

Each program has a budget of over USD 300,000 per year which supports a wide range of development initiatives addressing health, education, livelihood improvement and measures to conserve and protect the environment. 

Songas’ activities are focused on the residents of Songo Songo island and those communities living along the 225 km pipeline route or ‘wayleave’. 

Successful and completed projects on Songo Songo Island include providing fresh water supplies; access to electricity; a new dispensary and provision of educational. Along the wayleave, Songas has supported Mohoro Secondary School by building dormitories and a water supply system. The company has also supplied books and equipment to a number of primary schools.

Songas also looks to partner good quality non-governmental organisations and currently is working with two such groups:

 

Habitat for Humanity Tanzania to help communities build affordable housing and to encourage sustainable community development.

Tanzania Forest Conservation Group and local communities supporting conservation activities along the mainland way leave. These include setting up tree nurseries and educating school children about the environment.