By The Respondent reporter
Arusha –The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, on December 4, 2024, emphasized the need for energy efficiency to be a central part of government plans in the East Africa Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, to ensure more effective electricity usage and reduce energy losses.
Dr. Biteko made the remarks during the opening of the Regional Energy Efficiency Conference (REEC 2024) in Arusha, Tanzania. The event, organized by the Government of Tanzania in partnership with the European Union (EU), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Embassy of Ireland, brought together leaders and stakeholders from the EAC and SADC regions to discuss energy efficiency solutions.
Dr. Biteko highlighted that while African nations generate and transport electricity, there remain significant challenges in ensuring the efficient use of that power. He pointed to common household energy inefficiencies, such as leaving electrical appliances running when not in use. "For instance, why should household appliances like TVs, air conditioners, and lights continue running when no one is at home? Such actions increase the demand for power generation, which could be better used for other needs," said Dr. Biteko.
Citing data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), he noted that global energy efficiency had improved by only 1.1% in 2023, falling short of the 2 to 4% target. To meet these goals, Dr. Biteko stressed the importance of collaboration between African countries to address inefficiencies in energy use.
He also emphasized that energy efficiency should not be seen as optional but as a necessity for ensuring reliable energy access, reducing carbon emissions, and supporting sustainable economic growth.
"Having leaders, experts, and development stakeholders from across Africa at REEC 2024 is a crucial step toward finding solutions for the continent’s energy needs. It will also foster the exchange of knowledge and experience in energy efficiency and will enable Tanzania and Africa as a whole to access clean energy solutions," he added.
Dr. Biteko further called for the adoption of energy-efficient cooking technologies to reduce household energy costs, improve indoor air quality, and protect forests from excessive use of firewood.
He expressed gratitude to the EU, UNDP, and the Embassy of Ireland for their support in organizing the event, as well as to international financial institutions like the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) for their ongoing contributions to the energy sector in Tanzania. He urged these partners to continue their support for energy efficiency initiatives and the promotion of clean cooking technologies.
At the opening ceremony, Dr. Biteko also launched Tanzania's first National Energy Efficiency Strategy (2024-2034), which aims to encourage Tanzanians to use energy efficiently, reduce electricity losses, and protect the environment.
Geoffrey Pinda, Deputy Minister for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, praised REEC 2024 for fostering cooperation, sharing experiences, and establishing energy efficiency guidelines for countries in East and Southern Africa. He noted that the conference’s discussions would lead to practical solutions for overcoming challenges in implementing energy efficiency strategies and encourage private sector participation in energy conservation.
Felchesmi Mramba, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, highlighted that the conference aligns with Tanzania’s Energy Policy, which stresses the need for energy to be used wisely to avoid unnecessary costs. "For Tanzania to achieve energy efficiency, we are working with development partners to implement a strategy that ensures efficient and careful use of energy," Mramba said.
Amon Manyama, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP, expressed pride in working with the Tanzanian government on the Energy Efficiency Project. He stressed the significance of REEC 2024 in promoting energy efficiency across the East and Southern African regions.
The EU and World Bank both commended Tanzania for its energy projects, including the Energy Efficiency Programme and pledged continued support for Tanzania's sustainable development efforts to boost the economy while safeguarding the environment.