Since 2015, the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the European Union (EU) have been pivotal in Tanzania’s journey towards reducing dependence on fossil fuels and embracing renewable energy sources. The country, abundant in solar, wind, and hydropower potential, recently celebrated a significant achievement with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Shinyanga solar power plant, signaling a transformative shift in its energy landscape.
The official ceremony held on March 14 highlighted Tanzania’s commitment to diversifying its energy mix to meet rising demand, projected to increase by 6% to 10% annually. Supported by AFD and the EU, the event showcased two major projects crucial to Tanzania’s energy transition: the Shinyanga solar power plant and the Kakono hydroelectric power plant.
The Kakono hydroelectric station, with a capacity of 87.5 MW, is set to provide affordable electricity to approximately 4 million people in northeastern Tanzania. This project, supported by a €36 million EU grant, will significantly reduce CO2 emissions by 214,000 tonnes annually compared to diesel-generated power, while enhancing the stability of the local power grid.
Meanwhile, the Shinyanga solar plant represents Tanzania’s first industrial-scale solar facility, designed to generate 150 MW of clean energy. AFD and the EU have collaborated closely with Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) to ensure the project’s feasibility across technical, economic, financial, and environmental aspects. Once operational, this solar power station will be the largest in East Africa, further bolstering Tanzania’s renewable energy capacity.
Céline Robert, AFD’s Country Director in Tanzania, emphasized the critical role of AFD and EU funding in supporting project feasibility studies and facilitating dialogue from the project’s inception. These efforts are crucial in attracting both public and private investments, essential for scaling up renewable energy initiatives across Tanzania.
Cédric Merel, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation in Tanzania, underscored the EU’s commitment to promoting sustainable infrastructure under the Global Gateway strategy. This strategy aligns with the EU’s ambitious Green Deal, aiming for climate neutrality and sustainable economic growth through efficient resource use and biodiversity preservation.
The feasibility studies financed by AFD and the EU have been instrumental in unlocking approximately €340 million from AFD alone for renewable energy projects in Tanzania. These initiatives not only advance Tanzania’s energy transition goals but also foster economic development and job creation, underscoring a collaborative effort towards a sustainable future.
As Tanzania moves forward with its renewable energy ambitions, supported by international partnerships and strategic investments, the projects supported by AFD and the EU serve as milestones in transforming climate challenges into opportunities for growth and resilience.
This publication reflects the views of AFD and does not necessarily represent the opinions of the European Union.
Related
Credit: Source link