The 18 percent increase follows discoveries by Statoil, BG Group, Ophir Energy and Exxon Mobil since June 2014 when resources were estimated to be 46.5 Tcf.

 

Since June Statoil has announced discoveries at the Piri prospect in Block 2, the Giligiliani-1 exploration well and Mdalasini-1 exploration well.

 

Meanwhile the minister says that a pipeline connecting offshore natural gas fields to Dar es Salaam with commissioning set for September two months earlier than the estimated date.

 

The 532 km pipeline which has been financed by Exim Bank of China will cost a $1.225 billion has faced delays following various technical setbacks and will enable the country produce energy  using gas-fired power plants.

 

Gas fired power plants will help Tanzania save over $1 billion from oil imports that have in the past been used to fuel diesel generators.

 

‘During 2015/16 the government will start implementing the construction of a 240-megawatt power plant that is expected to cost $344 million,’ he said. The minister said the government would also start work in 2015/16 on the construction of 1,148 km of a new 400 kV power line at a cost of $664 million in the north-west power grid

Source : OIL NEWS KENYA