IN a significant move to promote cleaner industrial energy solutions, Tanzania has officially commissioned a state-of-the-art 570-kilowatt (kW) rooftop solar power facility at the tobacco factory in Kingolwira, Morogoro Region.

This milestone reflects the country’s commitment to sustainable energy adoption within the industrial sector, aiming to reduce reliance on conventional fossil fuels and lower the environmental footprint of manufacturing activities.

Located approximately 200 kilometres from Dar es Salaam, the new solar facility is the result of a strategic partnership between Puma Energy and Alliance One Tobacco Tanzania Limited (AOTTL) factory, formalized under a 10-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signed in April 2024. 

The agreement guarantees a consistent supply of clean, reliable energy, significantly reducing the factory’s dependence on conventional power sources.The grid-tied solar system consists of 1,296 high-efficiency solar modules and six optimized inverters, designed to provide uninterrupted power during the factory’s peak production season from May to October. 

Construction commenced in March 2025 and was completed in just one month. The plant officially became operational on May 4, 2025.Speaking here on Wednesday during the commissioning ceremony, Fatma Abdallah, Puma Energy Tanzania Managing Director hailed the project as a groundbreaking step for Tanzania’s industrial sector.

“This solar facility at Alliance One Tobacco is a landmark achievement—not just for Puma Energy, but for Tanzania's industrial sector,” Abdallah said. “It embodies our unwavering commitment to delivering sustainable, cost-effective, and reliable clean energy solutions that empower businesses and contribute to a greener national future.”

Equipped with a 30-year performance guarantee, the solar installation is expected to deliver long-term benefits in energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. It supports Puma Energy’s broader mission to strengthen Tanzanian industries through innovative, eco-friendly energy solutions.

The project also underscores the growing role of renewable energy in the country’s industrial modernization, offering a replicable model for future public-private partnerships that align economic growth with environmental responsibility.