In 2023, the electricity consumption in Tanzania is characterized by a significant reliance on fossil fuels, with more than half of the electricity generated through fossil and gas sources, amounting to a total of approximately 16 TWh. On the other hand, clean energy, specifically hydropower, contributes a smaller portion, making up almost a sixth of the total at just under 3 TWh. When comparing these numbers with the global average of 3813 kWh per person, Tanzania's consumption stands at a modest 167 kWh per person. This low consumption rate could have potential adverse effects, including limiting the country's economic growth and development while impacting progress in areas such as healthcare and education, where access to reliable electricity is crucial.
Is Electricity Growing in Tanzania?
Tanzania's electricity consumption is indeed on an upward trajectory, as evidenced by the recent increase from the historic record of 151 kWh per person in 2022 to the latest figure of 167 kWh per person in 2023, reflecting a positive change of 16 kWh per person. However, the growth in low-carbon electricity generation has not kept pace, with the latest generation at 42 kWh per person, which shows a decline from the 2002 record of 76 kWh per person. This decrease, totaling -34 kWh per person, highlights an ongoing challenge in expanding low-carbon energy sources despite the overall growth in electricity consumption.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Tanzania can take cues from successful strategies employed by countries like India and Brazil. India, with its substantial solar generation at 134 TWh, demonstrates the potential of harnessing solar power to meet energy demands. Similarly, Brazil's success in wind energy, generating 108 TWh, showcases how investments in wind infrastructure can significantly boost clean energy output. By adopting these approaches, Tanzania could expand its clean energy capacity, thereby reducing its reliance on fossil fuels, curbing emissions, and ensuring sustainable growth in electricity generation.
History
Historically, Tanzania's low-carbon electricity has seen a series of fluctuations, especially in hydropower generation. In the 1990s, hydropower experienced modest increases and declines, including a noteworthy decrease of 0.3 TWh in 1997. This pattern continued into the 2000s, where the early years saw mostly declines, such as the -0.5 TWh drop in 2004, countered by a significant increase of 1.1 TWh in 2007. Entering the 2010s, hydropower faced challenges again, with a substantial reduction of 0.7 TWh in 2011. Despite these fluctuations, modest increases were noted in subsequent years, including a notable rise of 0.7 TWh in 2020. Such historical insights underscore the importance of strategic investment in stable and reliable low-carbon energy sources to foster consistent growth.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.