Energy Learning Event for the Tanzania Parliamentary Energy and Minerals Committee

Tanzania Renewable Energy Association (TAREA) in cooperation with African Mini Grids Developers Association (AMDA) through financial support of Swedish International Development Agency (Sida), conducted event of energy learning from 8th to 15th November, 2019 to the: Parliamentary Energy and Minerals Committee; Ministry of Energy; National Environment Management Council (NEMC); Electricity and Water Utility Regulatory Authority (EWURA); Rural Energy Agency (REA); Regional Administration and Local Governments (RALG); and Tanzania Electricity Company (TANESCO) with the aim of sensitizing the lawmakers on the potentials of renewable energy technologies in power generation and affordability.

The energy learning event was conducted into two phases. Phase I, 8-10.11.2019, consisted of study visits at the sites of Mwenga Mini Hydro/wind power developed by Rift Valley Energy Company in Mufindi District, and PowerConner’s Solar Mini Grid at Ketumbiine Village in Longido district. Phase II, 15.11.2019, consisted of workshop at the Parliament in Dodoma to discuss the lessons learned and enabling environment that can lower tariffs of electricity from renewable energy mini grids thus increasing access to electricity for households and productive uses.

Members of Parliaments understood the potentials of renewable energy technologies in electrification and promised to support renewable energy sector. Declaration is given in the Swahili videos whose links are presented at the end of this article.

The expected major results of the energy learning event are:

1.0 Renewable energy mini grids mainstreamed in electrification of Mainland Tanzania reaching total electrification by 2021;

2.0 Access to the electricity from renewable energy mini grids for the social-economic activities at the affordable costs increased; and

3.0 Renewable energy contributes to the development of industries in the off-grid areas.

Video links:

Visit to Solar mini grid plant https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZoa5f7gZH8

Visit to wind/ mini hydro plants https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSNBnhRuAlc

Participants of study visit at Kitumbiine, Longido