Tanzania enlists 2,682 institutions using clean energy as it targets 30,000 by 2034

MBEYA: THE Ministry of Energy has provided education on the National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy to members of the Workers’ Council of the Secretariat of the Ethics Secretariat for Public Leaders.

Delivering the training, Engineer Benezeth Kabunduguru from the Ministry of Energy’s Clean Cooking Energy Unit said that 2,682 institutions had adopted clean cooking energy out of the 30,000 institutions targeted by the government.

He said the government aims to ensure that 80 percent of Tanzanians use clean cooking energy by 2034. The target is being pursued through the National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy, which was launched by the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Her Excellency Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, on 8 May 2024.

Engineer Kabunduguru explained that the use of firewood and charcoal can pose health risks due to smoke produced during cooking. He added that these traditional fuels also contribute to forest degradation and environmental damage.

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He identified clean cooking energy sources as electricity, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas, biogas, bioethanol, alternative charcoal, solar energy and hydrogen.

He further highlighted the health, environmental and economic benefits of adopting clean cooking energy. These include reducing the time spent collecting firewood, conserving forests, and enabling women and children to devote more time to productive activities and education.

Engineer Kabunduguru said the government continues to implement various measures to promote the adoption of clean cooking energy. These include distributing subsidised cooking stoves and gas cylinders, strengthening natural gas infrastructure, and encouraging the use of electric cooking appliances.