Govt, UNDP award innovators for promoting energy efficiency
DAR ES SALAAM: THE government, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has awarded a total of 250m/-to 10 outstanding innovators in energy efficiency.
Currently, the government, through the Ministry of Energy in collaboration with the UNDP, is implementing Tanzania’s first Energy Efficiency Action Plan, with financial support from the European Union (EU) and the Embassy of Ireland.
Speaking at the Energy Efficiency Innovation Challenge ceremony, where certificates were awarded to innovators in Dar es Salaam over the weekend, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Muyeye Chambwera said the initiative was designed to ignite sustainable energy practices and fuel groundbreaking solutions to combat energy inefficiency across the country.
He noted that the initiative sought to encourage and empower the nation’s brightest minds to develop innovative solutions that promote efficient buildings, smart agriculture, sustainable cooking methods, energy-efficient appliances, and greener industries.
Mr Chambwera explained that innovators were invited to compete for one of the 10 grants, each valued at up to 25m/-, to further develop and implement their pioneering projects.
He added that, from a pool of 159 applications, a rigorous selection process was conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and the Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) to identify the top 10 innovations, which were awarded seed grants.
“UNDP remains dedicated to advancing energy efficiency in developing countries like Tanzania by promoting technologies and practices that drive market demand and encourage both public and private investment through policy support, financial risk reduction and direct incentives,” he added.
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European Union Ambassador to Tanzania, Ms Christine Grau, said: “The European Union is deeply committed to supporting Tanzania’s journey towards sustainable energy. By empowering young innovators, we aim to foster innovative solutions that tackle energy and environmental challenges head-on.”
Mags Gaynor, Deputy Head of Mission and Development Cooperation at the Embassy of Ireland, said: “Ireland is immensely proud to witness the growing participation of young women in the pursuit of innovative solutions for sustainable energy and climate resilience. We firmly support the active involvement of women in decision-making processes related to climate change and sustainability.”
Senior Researcher at COSTECH, Haroun Makandi, said the commission had been fully involved in the entire process of identifying the best innovators for the Energy Efficiency Innovator Challenge.
Neria Rutashobya from EnergyOpt thanked the government, UNDP, and development partners for their support, which will enable her and other innovators to realise their dream of reducing energy costs for energy-intensive areas.
