Thursday, January 29, 2015

RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES IN TANZANIA



Solar energy:
Potential for solar PV technology is good with an average daily solar installation of 4.6 kWh/m².

Wind energy:
Tanzania has large areas with average wind speeds of 5-7m/s. There is, therefore, a technical potential for electricity generation from wind energy. There are about 7 potential wind sites located
for electricity generation.

Biomass energy:
Crop residues are available for use as fuel. The estimated theoretical co-generation potential in Tanzania is over 395 MW. Currently, the country has an installed capacity of 33 MW.

Geothermal energy: 
Rift Valley is potential area for geothermal exploitation. At least 15 thermal areas with hot spring activity occur in Tanzania. Potential geothermal sites could contribute up to 650 MW to the country’s energy mix, however the potential is still under investigation, and geothermal power is still a long-term option for the country.

Hydropower:
With hydroelectric power potential estimated to be 3,800 MW, of which only roughly 382 MW has been exploited, Tanzania has a high potential for investment in its hydropower sector.

Source:  Dr. Birgit Aurela project, Laurea University of Applied Sciences – Finland (2009)

TANZANIA RENEWABLE ENERGY POLICY



The National Energy Policy (2003) focuses on market mechanisms and means to reach the objective, and achieve an efficient energy sector with a balance between national and commercial interests. The overall aim of the policy is to:

  • · Have affordable and reliable energy supplies in the whole country
  • · Reform the market for energy services to facilitate investment - Tanzania approved feed-in Tariffs for renewables in 2009
  • ·Enhance the development and utilization of indigenous and renewable energy sources and technologies
  • ·Adequately take into account environmental considerations for all energy activities
  • ·Increase energy efficiency and conservation in all sectors
  • Increase energy education and build gender-balanced capacity in energy planning, implementation and monitoring



The 2009 Electricity Act opened the Tanzanian electricity sector for private companies and ended 40 year monopoly held by TANESCO in the national power sector. Independent power producers (IPP) penetration so far has been limited, but is steadily increasing.

The Rural Energy Act of 2005 established the Rural Energy Board, Fund and Agency responsible for promotion of improved access to modern energy in rural areas.


Source:  Dr. Birgit Aurela project, Laurea University of Applied Sciences – Finland (2009)