An estimated 50 multinational firms have expressed interest in building the Rufiji hydroelectric power plant to be located in the Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania, according to the East African country’s Ministry of Energy.
The tender for the project was launched in August 2016 and companies who had an annual turnover of at least $500 million were asked to submit applications.
The proposed power plant will have a capacity of 2,100 MW.
While companies may be interested in undertaking the project they could face opposition from environmentalists.The construction of this power plant has led to a protest movement, particularly within the environmental community. WWF said in a report that it threatened not only the ecosystem of the park, which is home to an endangered species of black rhino, but also the living conditions of 200,000 people.
Tanzanian President John Magufuli said the project would continue to be implemented despite protestors’ criticism.