An Overview of Energy sector in Tanzania Energy sector contributes significantly to the socio - economic development of any nation. It is approximated that half of the total power generated in Tanzania comes from hydro sources (HEP), this increases country?s vulnerability to energy scarcity as far as the recurring droughts and other extreme weather events are concerned.  Tanzania population is about 45 million and it?s projected to reach 100 million by 2035, this indication shows the expansion of energy demand in future years to come. Furthermore, Tanzania is endowed with diverse energy resources including biomass, natural gas, hydro, coal, geothermal, solar and wind, uranium, much of remains untapped. 

Major challenges related to energy access and use in Tanzania Poor technical capacity to undertake energy exploration Tanzania has technical gap especially on energy sector, this affects both high and average consumers in terms of price and supply, whereby the average consumers are more vulnerable to the impacts. 

High cost of energy which majority especially rural dwellers they can?t afford In Tanzania more than 75% of her population are rural dwellers, their means of livelihoods are less diversified, per capita income generation becomes low, this catalyses vulnerability context, and by increasing the energy price, these marginalized groups of the population face a challenge in accessing energy service. 

Overdependence on one source of energy (hydro) which due to changes in rainfall patterns as the impacts of climate change and variability and increasing drought its becoming even more unpredictable The manifestation of climate change and variability on energy sector affects the access and use of energy as hydroelectric power (HEP) is concerned. 

Biomass (Firewood and Charcoal) to which majority of the population about 90% depend on has its own human and ecological health related challenges. Dubious contracts with foreign and/or multilateral companies especially in oil and gas sector its costing the country and its citizen much. This burden is often transferred to average consumers in terms of high energy costs. 

Proposed solutions to the challenges facing the energy sector in Tanzania.

Despite of the above challenges facing energy sector in Tanzania, there are some potentials to harness in creating more sustainable energy sector in the country, mentioned are some of the solutions to the energy challenges. 

Subsidizing renewable energy industry to make renewable affordable even to poor, this will reduce the cost of access to the majority. Encourage sustainable Biofuel only in marginal lands, this can provide clean and zero carbon energy while contributing in mitigation of climate change impacts during planting of trees.

 Provide financial support to both large and small scale traders involved in renewable energy sector especially solar which is widely available. And last but not list, to put in place effective policies and enforceable regulations to control energy related issues in the country.

 By Joseph Bukula 

Email ID: jmiszens@gmail.com

 Twitter: @MiszensBukulaJ.