Renewable Energy Policies and Practice in Tanzania: Their Contribution to Tanzania Economy and Poverty Alleviation

Abstract

Abstract:Tanzania is facing challenges in energy provision with a lot of people leaving in rural areas experiencing energy poverty exhibited by lack of access to electricity, therefore relying on traditional fuels for cooking and lighting. In Tanzania, the electricity access has risen from 18.4% in 2013 to 24% in 2015. Power generation remained generally stable in 2013 which contributed 7.3% to the growth of the National economy. In 2014 the estimates shows that the National economy grew by 7.2%, and is projected to reach 7.4% in 2015. It is reported that, the electricity demand in Tanzania is about 7% per year over the past 10 years. A large proportion of majority of rural population is located far away from the National grid and it is un economical to connect to the grid. The main objective of this paper is to examine renewable energy policies and practices in Tanzania and their contribution to Tanzania economy and poverty alleviation. The study focused on content analysis of projects reports and policy in 10 years. Tanzania has drafted renewable energy policies so as to shift dependence from hydropower which is many times affected by draught and weather patterns and petroleum that have been affected by price fluctuation to solar, wind, biogas and other biomass which are renewable. However, the adoption rate of these renewable energy technologies is low because of financial constraints, lack of awareness, lack of coordination between the Government, non Governmental organizations and private sectors. Existing renewable energy policies should be harmonized and the current practice should be evaluated so as to upgrade the adoption rate of renewable technologies.

The Potential Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development in Tanzania: A Review

“…In Tanzania, solar energy is used as a source of power by 24.7% of the households with access to electricity. Potential solar energy resources are found in the central parts of the country [1]. There are high solar energy levels ranging from 2800 to 3500 h of sunshine per year and a global horizontal radiation of 4-7 kWh/m 2 /day [1,70].…”

“…Potential solar energy resources are found in the central parts of the country [1]. There are high solar energy levels ranging from 2800 to 3500 h of sunshine per year and a global horizontal radiation of 4-7 kWh/m 2 /day [1,70]. According to the World Bank, Tanzania has a solar energy potential greater than that of Spain and wind energy potential greater than that of the US State of California [60].…”

“…The solar energy market in Tanzania has drastically grown and increased over the last few years. Currently, the potential solar energy resources in Tanzania are used in different parts such as solar thermal for heating and drying and photovoltaic for lighting, water pumps, refrigeration purposes, and telecommunication [1]. Solar energy is used mostly in rural areas with about 64.8% compared to urban areas with only 3.4%.…”

“…Despite the increasing market for solar energy applications, there are fewer signs that the government is expecting to include solar PV in the national electricity mix in any substantial way in the future [71]. However, the government insists that by 2025, about 800 MW will be served into the national grid from solar power generation [1].…”

“…Energy security is a socio-economic and political factor that contributes to sustainable development (SD) in any nation [1]. Access to reliable, affordable, sustainable, and modern energy to all people is one of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) [2].…”