Electricity in Tanzania in 2022

As of 2022, Tanzania's electricity consumption stands at about 15 TWh, with fossil fuels accounting for more than half. Specifically, gas and other fossil sources contribute roughly 12 TWh to this tally, while low-carbon and hydropower combined add up to nearly 3 TWh, which constitutes close to a third of the total electricity consumption. When compared to the global average of 3638 watts per person, Tanzania's electricity consumption is significantly lower. This low level of electricity generation can impede economic development and limit access to basic services, with potential impacts on the quality of life. The reliance on fossil fuels also poses environmental challenges, such as increased carbon emissions, which exacerbate climate change and negatively affect air quality.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Tanzania can look to examples from countries like Brazil and India, which have made substantial progress in wind and solar energy. Brazil, generating over 100 TWh from wind, and India's solar efforts yielding 128 TWh, demonstrate these countries' commitment to clean electricity. Similarly, China's success with both wind (1003 TWh) and solar (710 TWh) shows that significant investment and strategic policies can lead to vast improvements in sustainable energy production. For Tanzania, emulating these strategies involves investing in the development of solar and wind infrastructures and considering nuclear energy for its robust contribution potential, as observed in developed countries like the United States and France.

History

Historically, Tanzania's journey in low-carbon electricity has been marked by fluctuating hydropower contributions. In the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s, hydropower generation saw minor increases, with occasional declines, such as in 1994 and 1997. The early 2000s were characterized by a mix of rises and falls, notably a 1.1 TWh increase in 2007, followed by variability into the next decade. More recently, in the 2010s and early 2020s, significant increases were noted in 2014 and 2020, although 2022 saw another drop. This history underscores the importance of diversifying Tanzania's low-carbon electricity sources and strengthening hydropower stability through improved infrastructure and integrated energy solutions.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources