JENGA TANZANIA
Tanzania Hydropower Design Team
UTK Interdisciplinary Senior Design Project – 2025–2026
Mission
Help transform a 50,000‑acre working farm in rural Tanzania into a sustainable, electrified hub for agriculture, clean water, and community health. Design a waterfall‑driven hydroelectric power system to supply the farm and nearby villages — and sell excess power to the national grid.
Why This Project is Unique
- •Real‑World Impact: Your work directly improves lives.
- •Global Collaboration: Work with U.S. & Tanzanian experts.
- •Cutting‑Edge Design: Apply renewable‑energy tech to real terrain.
- •Cross‑Disciplinary: Engineers + business tackle technical and financial challenges together.
Who We're Looking For
- •Electrical & Mechanical Engineering: Power system design, turbine selection, CAD, simulation.
- •Civil Engineering: Hydrology, infrastructure design, transport logistics.
- •Business: Capital planning, economic analysis, commercialization strategy.
Objectives
- •Identify optimal hydro systems from seasonal water‑flow data.
- •Compare power‑production options via trade studies.
- •Model install/operate/maintain costs; calculate cost per kWh.
- •Benchmark vs PV systems and local engineering proposals.
- •Develop a viable business case for implementation.
Impact
Clean Energy
Reliable electricity for farm operations and nearby villages through distributed hydropower.
Health & Nutrition
Supports clinics, safe water, and porridge/food programs that improve family wellbeing.
Economic Growth
Power sales to Tanzania's grid create sustainable revenue and reinvestment capacity.
Apply to Join the Team
Ready to make a real impact? Submit your application below.
Schedule Time with Leonard
Kickoff: Aug 2025Duration: 2 semestersLocation: UTK + remote
Leonard Knight: 865‑384‑6481
Leon Tolbert: tolbert@utk.edu