Lower Kihansi Hydropower Project, Tanzania

The Lower Kihansi Hydropower Project is located 450 km southwest of Dar-es-Salaam and 80 km south of Iringa, Tanzania. This facility includes a reinforced concrete gravity dam, 25 meters high and 200 meters long, and an underground power plant.

Initial installed capacity is 180 MW, provided by three vertical Pelton turbines, which at the time of completion provided approximately 20% of the national energy. Construction of the project occurred between 1995 and 2000. In addition to its importance in power generation, the project is known for its environmental mitigation measures, particularly the protection of the rare Kihansi spray toad, endemic to the region. This project has significantly contributed to Tanzania's energy stability, supporting economic growth and improving the quality of life of local communities.