By The Respondent Reporter
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, emphasized that while the world is increasingly focusing on renewable energy sources such as solar, water, and wind, African countries must utilize their existing resources, such as coal, to ensure adequate power generation.
Dr. Biteko made these remarks today, February 11, 2025, in New Delhi, India, during the Energy Ministers' Forum at India’s Energy Week, where he participated in a discussion alongside energy ministers from India, Qatar, the UK, and Tanzania.
Dr. Biteko pointed out that Tanzania possesses vast coal and uranium resources that could be used for electricity generation.
However, he acknowledged the challenge of securing funding for their development, especially as coal is often associated with environmental pollution.
He highlighted that with modern technology, coal could be used for power generation in a way that significantly reduces carbon emissions.
He also addressed the energy access gap in Africa, noting that around 600 million people across the continent still lack electricity.
Dr. Biteko believes that utilizing a variety of energy sources, including coal, is key to rapidly achieving the goal of providing electricity to these underserved populations.
"Africa contributes very little to environmental pollution because it is a largely underdeveloped continent, yet it is often treated the same as other nations in terms of environmental impact," he said.
"The shift to sustainable energy is inevitable, and African countries must be allowed to develop their resources to secure their energy future."
Dr. Biteko further explained that the energy needs of countries like Qatar and India are very different from those of Tanzania.
He stressed that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to energy challenges and that developing countries must adopt tailored approaches to address their specific needs.
During his speech, Dr. Biteko also referenced the African Energy Heads of State Summit (Mission 300) held recently in Tanzania, where leaders set a target to provide electricity to 300 million people in Africa by 2030.
He emphasized that to achieve 100% electrification, Africa requires financial resources, improved infrastructure for electricity transmission, and a mix of energy sources.
Dr. Biteko took the opportunity to highlight Tanzania's success in the energy sector.
He noted that the country currently has enough electricity to meet its needs, with a surplus of 750 megawatts.
Furthermore, Tanzania has developed infrastructure to transmit electricity and connect with neighboring countries such as Kenya, Burundi, and Rwanda, facilitating regional energy trade.
The UK’s Energy Minister, Ed Miliband, praised Tanzania’s achievements in power production and distribution, particularly the country’s regional electricity projects.
Similarly, India’s Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, explained that the India Energy Week aims to bring together global energy leaders, policymakers, and innovators to discuss sector challenges and explore sustainable solutions for the future of energy.
The forum also focuses on modern energy technologies, comprehensive carbon reduction strategies, and investment opportunities that align with global energy goals.