#Tanzania #Updater #TANJA #Pole Solar #Karatu

A New Dawn for Agriculture in Tanzania

Tanzania, a nation rich in biodiversity and agricultural opportunities, welcomes a promising venture focused on sustainability and renewable energy. The companies involved, UPDATER and TANJA Corporation Limited, are pioneering the integration of solar power through an on-site power purchase agreement (PPA) model.

Project Goals and Implementation

On July 1, 2025, a new chapter opens for TANJA's coffee farm located in Karatu, Arusha Region, as it begins utilizing solar energy to address consistent power shortages. Known as Pole Solar, this initiative aims to support agricultural production stability and foster sustainable management while also considering the economic and environmental needs of the community. The on-site PPA allows clients to access renewable energy without upfront costs, facilitating a steady transition to green energy.

This project addresses critical issues faced by TANJA, which operates vast agricultural lands ranging from 1,370 to 1,840 meters above sea level, producing specialty coffee for export to Japan among other crops like macadamia nuts and avocados. The initiative also ties in with TANJA's Smart Village Project, which aims to enhance community well-being and job creation through sustainable agricultural practices.

Challenges Addressed

Despite the rich agricultural prowess of the region, the local power infrastructure is frail and frequently results in power outages, disrupting coffee processing. Such interruptions lead to delays that affect product quality and incur excessive costs due to reliance on fuel-powered generators, contributing to environmental concerns as well.

To mitigate these challenges, UPDATER and TANJA have introduced a comprehensive solar energy setup involving the installation of photovoltaic panels and battery storage on the farm. This means that energy harvested from solar panels will directly power the operations without any initial investment from TANJA, which will only incur monthly fees for energy used.

Overview of the Solar Initiative

Here's a closer look at what the angular solar initiative entails:

• - Installed Capacity: 10.6 kW Solar Power & 31.8 kWh Battery Storage
• - Supply Model: On-Site PPA (installed within the farm premises)
• - Contract Duration: 10 years
• - Power Supply Start Date: July 1, 2025

By adopting this renewable energy model, TANJA foresees significant improvements in operational stability and economic feasibility, as monthly energy costs will notably lessen, freeing up resources for enhanced agricultural practices.

Future Implications

The solar energy project will not only resolve power issues for TANJA’s operations but also promote carbon neutrality in alignment with the Smart Village Project. This green energy will provide stable electricity, enhancing educational and health infrastructures in surrounding communities while generating jobs for youth and women. The successful implementation will also set a benchmark for similar projects across Tanzania.

UPDATER and TANJA are motivated to expand their renewable energy model to additional areas within and outside the farm while positively impacting the broader community. This partnership not only highlights the importance of renewable energy in agribusiness but also embodies a larger vision of sustainability in rural Africa.

Voices from the Ground

Yuto Uno, Business Manager at UPDATER, expressed: "Having frequently visited the TANJA farm, I've seen the exceptional surrounding landscapes and the community roles they play. However, the unstable electricity supply remains a significant challenge. Implementing solar power through PPA will resolve this issue, ultimately fueling the growth of Tanzania’s agriculture and contributing to rural development."

Similarly, Tomoyuki Kayama, Senior Project Manager at TANJA, stated: "Witnessing the challenges the team faced with relentless power outages reinforced my belief in the need for a resilient backup energy system. Collaborating with UPDATER has enabled us to leap towards our carbon neutrality goals efficiently while ensuring quality control in our production processes."

Conclusion

As the world shifts towards sustainable energy sources, the UPDATER and TANJA collaboration epitomizes the strategic integration of renewable energy in enhancing productivity within agriculture. This innovative approach is a testament to how renewable solutions can transform rural economies, ensure food security, and promote environmental stewardship across Africa. The success of this initiative will serve as a blueprint for future sustainable energy practices in rural settings worldwide.