Tanzania is exploring green hydrogen as a potential additional source of clean cooking energy as the government seeks to expand access to cleaner fuels and reduce reliance on polluting cooking methods.
The technology is being tested by Bora Women Go Green in Kilwa District, Lindi Region, where a project is using water as a feedstock to produce green hydrogen for cooking.
The project is expected to begin formal production by the end of October 2026, according to the organisation's director, Dr Bora Haule.
The development comes as Tanzania implements its National Clean Cooking Strategy 2024–2034, which targets increasing the share of the population using clean cooking energy to 80 percent by 2034.
Energy Ministry Director of Clean Cooking Energy Nolasco Mlay visited the Kilwa project to assess its progress and the potential use of the technology in clean cooking.
He said the government was open to testing different technologies, but stressed that their safety, efficiency, affordability and environmental impact must be assessed.
“The government recognises the importance of technology and innovation in increasing the use of clean cooking energy,” Mr Mlay said.
The Kilwa project is intended to demonstrate whether green hydrogen can be used safely for cooking and whether the technology can eventually provide an affordable option for communities.
Dr Haule said preparations were in the final stages and that the project would allow communities to see how green hydrogen can be applied to cooking.
Beyond its use as a cooking fuel, the project could provide an opportunity to assess the economic potential of emerging clean-energy technologies.
However, wider adoption will depend on factors such as production costs, safety standards, infrastructure and the ability of households to access the technology at an affordable price.
For Tanzania, the main challenge remains moving beyond pilot projects and expanding clean cooking solutions that can reach a large share of households.
Green hydrogen could therefore add to the range of technologies being considered under the national clean cooking strategy, but its long-term role will depend on whether it can meet the cost, safety and accessibility requirements of ordinary households.