Petroleum,
hydro-power and coal are the major source of commercial energy in Tanzania. The
biomass energy resource, which comprises fuel-wood and charcoal from both
natural forest and plantations, accounts for 93 per cent of total energy
consumption.
Petroleum
is imported. The transport sector is the main consumer of petroleum products.
Presently only 70 per cent of the demand for petroleum is met. There are a
number of companies exploring for oil, but so far no positive results have been
found. However natural gas, which is available, is to be the likely substitute
for oil.
Electricity
sub-sector contributes about 0.6 per cent of total energy consumption.
Electricity is mainly generated from hydro-power - which is prone to drought
effects- so some thermal power stations have been installed. There are plans to
connect with neighboring countries of Zambia and Uganda to the national grid to
boost the supply of electricity.
Only
three quarters of the country (mainly urban areas) is connected to the national
grid. It is intended that the rest of the country, including an estimated 8,200
villages should be supplied with electricity to curb deforestation. In addition
there are plans to supply power to Kenya and Malawi from Tanzania.
Tanzania
has per capita electricity consumption of 46/KWh per annum, which is growing at
the rate of 11 - 13 per cent. Hence the government is encouraging investment to
expand generating capacity, distribution system and developing indigenous
sources of energy.
There are
other indigenous alternative sources of energy which include coal. Tanzania has
1,200 million metric tons, which could provide energy for paper mills, cement
factories, agriculture and household consumption, and generation of power.
Wind and
solar energy is another source of energy. Very little attempt has been made to
utilize this source of energy which could be a viable alternative source to
reduce use of wood and oil for heating purposes.
For more discussions on this and
many more, Do Not Miss The EASTERN AFRICA REGIONAL MODEL UN CONFERENCE to be held on 6th
to 12th October 2013 at Arusha, Tanzania.
APPLY BEFORE THE DEADLINE!!!
