Electricity in Tanzania in 2022

As of 2022, Tanzania's electricity consumption offers an insightful glimpse into the nation's energy landscape. The country relies heavily on fossil fuels, with gas contributing nearly all of the fossil-based electricity at about 6 TWh, which, combined with other fossil sources, makes up over half of the total electricity generation. In contrast, low-carbon or clean energy sources, including hydropower, account for almost a third of the total generation—around 3 TWh. This paints a picture of significant reliance on fossil energy, which can have adverse effects such as greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. When compared to the global average of electricity consumption, which stands at approximately 3606 watts per person, Tanzania's generation per capita is significantly lower, which can hinder economic growth, limit access to modern services, and reduce overall quality of life for its citizens.

Suggestions

To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Tanzania could draw lessons from several countries that have successfully transitioned to greener energy sources. For example, countries like India have seen substantial increases in both wind (92 TWh) and solar (125 TWh) electricity generation. As a comparable developing nation with a focus on advancing technology and infrastructure, Tanzania can use India's success as a blueprint to diversify its green energy portfolio. Emphasizing investments in wind and solar technologies could be beneficial. Moreover, taking a cue from Brazil, which generates 97 TWh from wind, Tanzania might explore wind power's potential considering its geographical landscape. Besides, integrating nuclear energy into its mix, akin to what burgeoning nuclear-powered countries have achieved, would provide a reliable and sustainable power supply, addressing the limitations posed by variability in solar and wind electricity.

History

Historically, Tanzania has experienced a fluctuating journey in low-carbon electricity generation, predominantly via hydropower. The late 1980s and 1990s saw a period of modest growth, with occasional increases and decreases in hydropower capacity. The early 2000s marked a time of more pronounced variability, with several years of decline offsetting periods of modest growth. Notable increases occurred in 2007, 2014, and 2020, where substantial additions bolstered the hydropower output. However, these were frequently followed by declines or stagnation, highlighting the challenges of relying heavily on a single source of low-carbon energy. This cyclic nature underscores the need for Tanzania to diversify its low-carbon portfolio, incorporating more stable and scalable solutions like wind, solar, and nuclear to ensure a consistent power supply and meet future energy demands.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources