In 2023, Tanzania's electricity consumption primarily stems from fossil fuels, with gas and other fossil sources contributing approximately 16 TWh. This is starkly contrasted by the much smaller contribution of low-carbon sources, which amounts to just under 3 TWh from hydropower and other clean energy sources. Overall, Tanzania's per capita electricity consumption stands at 167 kWh, which is a fraction compared to the global average of 3649 kWh per person. This low level of electricity generation may impede development in the country, limiting economic growth and reducing the quality of life for its citizens. It highlights the urgent need for Tanzania to bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, which is critical for sustainable development and to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Tanzania?
There has been some growth in Tanzania's electricity consumption. The per capita consumption has increased by 16 kWh from 2022 to 2023. However, this modest rise also comes with concerns regarding the low-carbon segment. Currently, low-carbon electricity generation is at 42 kWh per person—showing a significant decrease from its peak of 75 kWh per person in 2002. This decline highlights a gap that needs immediate attention, as the share of cleaner energy has not been keeping pace with the overall growth in electricity demand. For a more sustainable energy future, Tanzania must put more emphasis on expanding its clean electricity capacity.
Suggestions
Tanzania can look towards successful regions that have scaled up their low-carbon energy capacity as a blueprint for its energy strategy. Solar energy, as demonstrated by China and the United States, and wind energy, successfully utilized in Texas and Brazil, offer viable pathways. Additionally, the embrace of nuclear power in countries like France, the United States, and South Korea demonstrates its potential as a credible source of constant, reliable, and clean electricity. By strategically investing in solar, wind, and nuclear power, Tanzania can transition towards a more sustainable and reliable electricity mix, all while boosting its total electricity generation to meet growing demands.
History
Historically, Tanzania's hydroelectric power has seen fluctuations with periods of modest growth interspersed with declines. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, small increments were seen, but mid-1990s to mid-2000s showed more instability with periods of both growth and decline. More recent years, particularly from 2006 onward, highlighted modest gains with a significant spike in 2007. Yet, declining trends have been observed sporadically, which included years like 2011 and 2022. These fluctuations reflect the challenges in maintaining consistent growth in low-carbon electricity output, underscoring the need for a diversified and robust energy strategy that significantly includes solar and nuclear power.
