Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko has said that the issue of efficient use of energy should be included in the plans of the governments of East African countries (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in order to enable those countries to use electricity efficiently and thus reduce the loss of electricity.
Dr. Biteko said this, December 04, 2024 in Arusha while opening the Regional Conference on Energy Efficiency (REEC 2024) organized by the Government of Tanzania in collaboration with the European Union (EU), the United Nations Development Organization (UNDP) and The Embassy of Ireland involving various Leaders and Stakeholders on Energy Efficiency from the EAC and SADC.
He has said that together with various countries in Africa to produce electricity and transport it for use, but there are still challenges to ensure that the electricity produced and transported is used effectively.
“For example, what is the reason for a person not being in the house but all electrical equipment such as television, air conditioner, television, radio and lights are always working, acts like this to use electricity inefficiently increase the load, electricity which to a certain extent could used for other needs.” Said Dr. Biteko
He said that the statistics of the International Energy Agency (IEA) show that energy efficiency in the world has improved by only 1.1 percent in 2023, which is below the target because now energy efficiency needs to grow from 2 to 4 percent, so in order to achieve that goal, African countries need working together to solve the challenges that lead to not having an efficient use of energy.
He said that the REEC 2024 meeting should be a part of emphasizing that the efficient use of energy is not an optional matter, but it is necessary and based on the availability of reliable energy, reducing the production of carbon dioxide and having economic growth that is sustainable.
“The presence of leaders, experts and development stakeholders from various African countries will make the REEC 2024 meeting a success as it will also involve exchanging experience and expertise in the efficient use of energy and will enable Tanzania and the entire African continent to reach a solution for access to clean energy .” Said Dr. Biteko
Dr. Biteko has emphasized the presence of energy-efficient cooking technologies to reduce energy costs at home, have clean air in the home, and protect forests from excessive use of firewood.
He thanked the EU, UNDP and the Irish Embassy for supporting the Government in organizing the Regional Conference on Efficient Use of Energy together with International Banks including the World Bank (WB) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) that support various strategies to develop The Energy Industry in the country and called on those development stakeholders to continue to contribute to the efficiency of energy use in the country without forgetting clean energy for cooking.
At the Opening Ceremony of the REEC 2024 Meeting, Dr. Biteko has launched the first National Energy Efficiency Strategy (2024-2034) which, among other things, aims to encourage Tanzanians to use energy efficiently to reduce utility costs, reduce electricity loss and protect the environment.
Deputy Minister of Land, Housing and Housing Development, Mr. Geoffrey Pinda has said that REEC 2024 encourages cooperation opportunities, sharing experiences and setting guidelines for the efficient use of energy in East African and Southern African countries.
The Secretary General of the Ministry of Energy, Engineer, Felchesmi Mramba said the REEC 2024 meeting is a meeting that is in line with Tanzania’s Energy Policy of 2015 which recognizes that as a nation it needs sufficient energy but that is used with care, attention and quality to ensure the country does not produce energy it does not need.
Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Organization (UNDP), Mr. Amon Manyama has said that UNDP is proud to work with the Tanzanian government in the implementation of the Energy Efficiency Project.
He said the REEC 2024 Conference is important in motivating and shaping the correct use of energy for the East African region and the Southern African Community.
EU and WB have congratulated Tanzania for the implementation of energy projects including the Energy Efficiency project and promised to continue to cooperate with the Tanzanian Government on sustainable development projects that will raise the economy of Tanzanians while protecting the environment.
