Surge in Charcoal Sales in Tanzania Amid Efforts for Clean Energy Transition

A recent Bank of Tanzania report reveals a 100% increase in charcoal sales, totaling Sh5.73 billion for September 2024, despite a decline from the previous quarter. Stakeholders recommend awareness campaigns and cost measures to support the shift toward clean energy. Tanzania aims for 80% clean energy adoption by 2034, with challenges regarding affordability and access persisting, particularly in rural areas.

A recent report from the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) has documented a significant increase in charcoal sales, revealing that sales reached Sh5.73 billion for the quarter ending in September 2024. This figure represents a 100 percent rise from Sh2.94 billion in the same period of the previous year. Nonetheless, there was a 39.30 percent decrease compared to the preceding quarter of June 2024, indicating seasonal fluctuations in consumption behavior.

Despite the uptick in charcoal sales, there is a concerted effort among stakeholders to advocate for the transition to clean cooking energy. Recommendations include raising public awareness about alternative energy sources, addressing their costs, and making them more accessible nationwide. Tanzania has set a target for 80 percent of its population to utilize clean cooking energy by 2034, emphasizing the promotion of cooking gas.

The report identifies the South-Eastern zone as the leading area for charcoal sales, generating Sh3.68 billion, which accounts for 64.22 percent of the total national sales. Other regions such as the Central and Northern regions generated Sh856.6 million and Sh775.6 million, respectively. In contrast, the Lake Zone and Dar es Salaam recorded significantly lower sales figures, at Sh410.9 million and Sh12.6 million, respectively.

Dr. Lutengano Mwinuka from the University of Dodoma highlighted that many Tanzanians live in rural areas with limited access to clean energy, emphasizing the necessity for energy-efficient stoves. He urged for heightened awareness campaigns promoting alternative sources of energy, such as biomass and agricultural waste, to mitigate charcoal reliance.

Dr. Donald Mmari, Executive Director of Repoa, concurred, pointing out that awareness initiatives have not effectively reached rural communities. He stressed that while promoting clean energy benefits is crucial, the accessibility and affordability of these alternatives must also be prioritized.

In addressing the financial obstacles linked to cleaner energy, Prof. Aurelia Kamuzora from Mzumbe University posited the need for research on Tanzanians’ financial capacities to ensure that gas prices reflect the nation’s economic situation. She noted, “Charcoal is still seen as a more affordable option compared to gas,” and emphasized that the high costs of gas processing, transportation, and low purchasing power contribute to the slow transition to cleaner energy.

Looking towards the future, Dr. Mmari advocated for measures to enhance the affordability of alternative energy sources, especially for rural communities. He suggested that evaluating transportation costs and production expenses can facilitate better access to clean energy for low-income individuals. Dr. Mwinuka also recommended revising gas pricing policies to lower costs and promote broader acceptance of clean energy alternatives.

The surge in charcoal sales in Tanzania underscores the ongoing challenges associated with the transition to clean cooking energy. Despite considerable efforts and recommendations from experts to promote alternative energy sources, affordability remains a significant barrier. Long-term strategies must focus on improving the accessibility and affordability of clean energy, particularly for rural communities, to achieve the national goal of widespread adoption by 2034.

Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz