GUEST COLUMNIST: Biogas and beyond: Can Tanzania lead in off-grid solutions?

THE hum of a diesel generator, the flicker of a kerosene lamp, the smoky haze of a charcoal stove these are ubiquitous sounds, sights and smells across much of rural Tanzania.

While the national grid steadily expands, reaching more corners of our nation, a significant portion of the population remains, and for the foreseeable future will remain, off-grid. This isn’t a deficit; it’s an immense opportunity.

The country, with its abundant natural resources and innovative spirit, stands at a critical juncture to not just adopt, but to lead the charge in off-grid energy solutions, with biogas emerging as a powerful, yet often overlooked, cornerstone.

The global conversation around sustainable development invariably circles back to energy access. For millions in sub-Saharan Africa, reliable and affordable energy remains a distant dream.

This energy poverty exacerbates existing inequalities, hindering education, healthcare, and economic growth. But what if the solution lay not in extending massive, centralised grids, but in empowering communities with localised, decentralised systems? This is where Tanzania’s potential truly shines.

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Biogas, produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic matter like animal manure and agricultural waste, offers a multi-faceted solution to many of the challenges faced by off-grid communities. Imagine a typical rural Tanzanian household.

They likely own livestock, generate agricultural waste, and spend a significant portion of their income on charcoal or kerosene for cooking and lighting.

A small-scale biogas digester transforms these “wastes” into clean cooking gas and organic fertiliser. This is not merely an energy solution; it’s a sanitation improvement, an agricultural input, and an economic upliftment rolled into one. The benefits are immediate and tangible.

For women and children, who often bear the brunt of collecting firewood and suffering from indoor air pollution, biogas offers liberation. No more arduous treks for fuel, no more stinging eyes and burning lungs.

For farmers, the bio-slurry – the byproduct of biogas production – is a nutrient-rich fertiliser, boosting crop yields and reducing reliance on expensive chemical alternatives. This creates a virtuous cycle: healthier families, more productive farms, and stronger local economies.

The country has already made strides in biogas adoption, with various initiatives and projects promoting its use. However, the scale remains modest compared to the immense potential. The question then becomes: how do we move “beyond” the current incremental progress and truly position Tanzania as a leader in off-grid solutions?

The answer lies in a multi-pronged approach that fosters innovation, strengthens policy, and mobilises investment.

Firstly, we need to nurture a vibrant ecosystem for local innovation. Tanzanian engineers, entrepreneurs, and researchers are already developing ingenious solutions tailored to our unique contexts.

From modular, affordable digester designs to efficient gas stoves and lighting systems, homegrown innovation is key. This requires investment in research and development, supportive incubation programs, and platforms for knowledge sharing.

Secondly, policy frameworks must be designed to actively incentivise and streamline the adoption of off-grid technologies, particularly biogas. This includes clear regulations, simplified permitting processes, and targeted subsidies or financing mechanisms that make these solutions accessible to lowincome households.

Think of innovative financing models like pay-as-you-go schemes, which have proven successful in solar home systems, adapted for biogas. Furthermore, integrating biogas into national energy strategies and rural development plans will send a clear signal of commitment.

Thirdly, attracting both domestic and international investment is crucial. The economic case for off-grid solutions, including biogas, is compelling.

These are not merely development projects; they are viable business opportunities. Investors should be encouraged to see the long-term returns in a market hungry for sustainable energy. Public-private partnerships can play a vital role in de-risking investments and scaling up successful models.

Beyond biogas, Tanzania’s off-grid potential extends to solar mini-grids, efficient biomass technologies, and even small-scale hydro. The lessons learned from scaling up biogas can be applied across this spectrum of decentralised energy solutions.

The key is to think holistically, creating an integrated energy landscape where various technologies complement each other to meet diverse needs. The country’s leadership in this space would not only benefit its own citizens but also offer a replicable model for other developing nations facing similar energy challenges.

By demonstrating how a nation can leapfrog traditional energy infrastructure and embrace decentralised, sustainable solutions, Tanzania can become a beacon of energy independence and environmental stewardship.

The future of energy in the country is not solely about connecting every last village to the national grid. It is about empowering every household with the energy solutions that best fit their needs, circumstances, and resources.

With biogas as a powerful catalyst, and with a concerted effort from government, innovators, investors, and communities, Tanzania can indeed lead the way in crafting a decentralised, sustainable, and prosperous energy future, moving truly “biogas and beyond.” The opportunity is now; let’s seize it.