EU reaffirms support for renewable energy development in Tanzania

DAR ES SALAAM: THE European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its strong commitment to the global fight against climate change and to supporting the development of sustainable energy initiatives in Tanzania.

Speaking at the launch of Renewable Energy Week (REW 2025) in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, Mr. Maximilian Peddret, Head of Sector at the EU Delegation to Tanzania, underscored Europe’s leadership in climate action through the European Green Deal, which aims to make Europe the world’s first climate-neutral continent by 2050.

Themed “Empowering Sustainability: Advancing Renewable Energy Solutions,” REW 2025 brought together key players from the public and private sectors, development partners, and international financiers to explore collaborative efforts in advancing Tanzania’s renewable energy transition.

“The EU is a longstanding partner of Tanzania. This year marks 50 years of EU–Tanzania relations and the continuation of a strong and growing partnership,” said Mr Peddret.

He also underscored the EU’s Global Gateway strategy as part of its wider global commitment to sustainability and investment in clean energy infrastructure.

“Our collaboration spans a range of energy initiatives, including sustainable cooking solutions, renewable electricity generation, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. We are also supporting major projects such as hydropower development and future rural electrification efforts,” he said.

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Mr Peddret noted the EU’s continued partnership with Tanzania’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA), particularly in supporting regional interconnector projects that facilitate power trade between Tanzania and neighboring countries.

In addition to government partnerships, he emphasized the importance of enabling private sector growth and creating a favorable investment climate for clean energy enterprises.

He encouraged international financial institutions to explore opportunities in Tanzania and help mobilize financing for the country’s energy transformation.

“We want this gathering to be more than an exchange of ideas— it must be a platform for solutions and transformative action,” he added.

Commissioner for Energy in the Ministry of Energy, Engineer Innocent Luoga, said REW 2025 is a platform to showcase Tanzania’s progress in renewable energy and energy efficiency, particularly on the mainland.

“Tanzania has made tremendous strides in expanding energy access, improving reliability, and promoting sustainability. In 2011, only 14 per cent of the population had access to electricity. By 2020, that number had increased to an impressive 78.4 per cent, with power extended to every village in the country,” said Eng Luoga.

Citing data from a 2020 National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) study, he noted that a new household energy survey is underway, with updated data expected within two months.

Tanzania is also seeing rapid growth in electricity generation capacity.

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“In 2020, our installed capacity was 2,000 megawatts. We aim to increase this to 5,000 megawatts by 2025 and 10,000 megawatts by 2030,” Luoga stated.

Chairperson of the Tanzania Renewable Energy Association (TAREA), Dr Prosper Magali said the event has attracted over 300 participants, including renewable energy stakeholders from the USA, India, and various East African nations.

Dr Magali insisted on the need to prioritise affordable renewable energy technologies that are accessible and scalable. “Such solutions are already available and can significantly contribute to Tanzania’s energy future,” he said.