Government backs expansion of EV charging infrastructure
DAR ES SALAAM: THE government has pledged to implement stakeholders ‘ recommendations aimed at accelerating the rollout of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations across the country as Tanzania steps up efforts to promote clean transport and reduce carbon emissions.
The move is expected to support the transition to electric mobility by providing reliable charging infrastructure while lowering transport costs and contributing to global climate change mitigation efforts.
Speaking during Energy Day at the ongoing 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF) on Friday, Ministry of Energy’s Director of Policy and Planning, Engineer Petro Lyatuu, said expanding clean energy use goes beyond increasing electricity generation to ensuring power is efficiently utilised across key sectors of the economy, including transport.
He said the ministry has received proposals from stakeholders on expanding EV charging infrastructure, including ensuring charging stations have reliable electricity supply and dedicated transformers.
According to Eng Lyatuu, the recommendations will be incorporated into national development plans to facilitate wider adoption of electric vehicles in Tanzania.
“The transition to clean energy requires not only sufficient electricity generation but also investments that enable consumers to utilise that energy efficiently,” he said.
He noted that the use of electricity in the transport sector offers significant economic and environmental benefits while creating new investment opportunities in clean transport technologies.
On the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Eng Lyatuu said Tanzania has made significant progress in expanding refuelling infrastructure over the past four years.
He said the number of CNG filling stations in Dar es Salaam has increased from only two in 2021 to about 19 currently through collaboration between the government and private investors.
The expansion, he said, has helped reduce long queues previously experienced by motorists as demand for the cleaner and cheaper fuel continues to grow.
Eng Lyatuu noted that many motorists are switching to CNG because it substantially lowers vehicle operating costs.
He cited the example of a ride-hailing driver who said he was prepared to wait longer at filling stations because CNG is considerably more affordable than petrol.
The official said the government will continue partnering with the private sector to expand CNG infrastructure alongside electric vehicle charging facilities as part of broader efforts to increase clean energy use.
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He added that the initiatives support the country’s target of expanding electricity generation capacity by 2030 while promoting clean energy across different sectors of the economy.
Eng Lyatuu said President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directives to increase electricity generation and accelerate the clean energy transition are being implemented through various programmes under the Ministry of Energy
