Public policies influence reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Also the extent to which policies are developed and implemented can influence the achievement of the national, regional and international climate change mitigation policy framework in the renewable energy sub-sector. This paper provides a critical overview of key policy options influencing the development of renewable energy sub-sector through climate change mitigation policy options in Tanzania. Questionnaire surveys were used to collect primary data from 100 relevant experts who represented 64 organizations in Tanzania. Secondary data were collected by literature review. The state of climate change mitigation policy options in the renewable energy sub-sector was assessed by using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 26.0 and content analysis. The results showed Tanzania lacks adequate climate change mitigation policy and renewable energy policy frameworks. A specific national climate change policy and national renewable energy policy are needed to guide stakeholders to undertake climate change mitigation actions in the renewable energy sub-sector in Tanzania. Perceptions gained and recommendations made are essential for undertaking climate change mitigation actions in Tanzania, and can be relevant for other developing countries because of similar climate change mitigation contexts. Keywords: climate change, renewable energy, greenhouse gases, policies, Tanzania

Tanzania has the target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions between 30% and 35% by 2030. Renewable energy sources have potential to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while achieving sustainable development in Tanzania. This paper provides an overview of the public policies in the renewable energy sub-sector in Tanzania. Information on renewable energy, climate change, relevant policies and other related literature were gathered through electronic search and desk review. The retrieved data and information confirm and demonstrate that warming of the climate system is unequivocal due to human induced activities. We note also that renewable energy sources have potential to contribute about two-third of the global total primary energy carbon dioxide emission reduction. Renewable energy may have carbon dioxide savings of the range of global cumulative carbon dioxide from about 220 to 560 GtCO2 in the period of 2010 to 2050. In Tanzania, renewable energy policies would enable the country to contribute to the global goal of reduction of greenhouse gas emissions while achieving its sustainable development according to the national circumstances. Keywords: Climate change mitigation, renewable energy, sustainable development, energy policies, Tanzania