In 2023, Tanzania's electricity consumption stood at approximately 11 TWh, with the bulk of it derived from fossil energy sources. Natural gas, in particular, contributed to most of the 8 TWh sourced from fossil fuels. In contrast, low-carbon sources, predominantly hydropower, supplied nearly 3 TWh of the electricity, illustrating that clean energy comprises a small fraction of Tanzania's generation mix. With each person consuming only 167 kWh per year, Tanzania's electricity usage is significantly below the global average of about 3,662 kWh per person. This vast disparity hampers economic growth, limits access to technology, and hinders educational and healthcare advancements, making it imperative for Tanzania to ramp up both its total and clean electricity generation.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Tanzania?
Electricity consumption in Tanzania has shown modest growth, evidenced by an increase from the previous consumption record of 151 kWh per person in 2022 to the 2023 level of 167 kWh per person. This represents a rise of just 16 units per person. However, an interesting observation is the decline in clean electricity generation; the current low-carbon electricity production stands at 42 kWh per person, a decrease of about 33 units from its peak in 2002. This suggests that while Tanzania is making strides in increasing total electricity consumption, it lags in boosting its clean energy sources—a critical step toward sustainable development.
Suggestions
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Tanzania could draw inspiration from global leaders in solar and nuclear energy. Countries like China, which has generated over 1,100 TWh of solar power, and the United States, with significant nuclear energy production, serve as exemplary models. Leveraging the abundant solar potential in Africa, Tanzania could develop extensive solar farms akin to Brazil's solar initiatives, which yield around 79 TWh. Additionally, investing in nuclear power, informed by countries like South Korea or even closer partners like South Africa, could provide a substantial and reliable clean energy supply that helps in reducing dependency on fossil fuels and alleviating the burden of climate change and air pollution.
History
Historically, Tanzania has primarily relied on hydropower for its low-carbon electricity needs. Over the decades, fluctuations have marked Tanzania's hydropower generation; the 1990s saw gradual expansions with minor setbacks, while the early 2000s experienced repeated declines. A notable recovery occurred in 2007 as hydropower contributions increased significantly. More recently, challenges have persisted, though there were slight growth spurts in 2014 and 2020, reflecting a sporadic commitment to expanding low-carbon energy sources. This history underscores the need for a diversified clean energy strategy that prioritizes not only hydropower but also solar and nuclear innovations to establish a robust and sustainable electricity landscape.
