Promise of Economic Growth Thanks to Natural Gas in Tanzania
The Tanzanian government is committed to ensuring that the country’s natural gas benefits Tanzanians and contributes significantly to national economic growth. The Deputy Minister of Energy, Ms. Judith Kapiga, assured that the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) is collaborating with the TAQA Dalbit company to conduct studies on the demand for natural gas and the implementation of new infrastructure to supply gas to homes of Dar es Salaam. The goal is to connect 10,000 homes to natural gas and promote its use as an energy source for cooking.
- Connecting Homes to Natural Gas
The TPDC has already connected 880 homes in Dar es Salaam via pipelines, and the aim is to increase this number. Additionally, a pipeline from Mwenge to Mbezi has been laid to connect additional homes and facilities, such as industries and hotels.
- Promotion of the Use of Gas for Cooking
The implementation of programs to promote the use of gas as an energy alternative for cooking, also to preserve the environment, is part of the government’s efforts. However, there is concern about the high costs that could hinder this transition.
- Support to Rural Communities in the Use of Gas
There is discussion about the possibility of introducing subsidies to make gas accessible to rural communities, ensuring that they too can benefit from this cleaner and more sustainable energy resource.
The Commitment to a Clean and Sustainable Future
President Samia highlighted the importance of adopting gas as an energy source for cooking, to mitigate climate change and promote sustainable development in Africa. The transition from traditional energies such as wood to natural gas is essential to reduce environmental impact and improve the health of African populations.
#Item
The Tanzanian government, through the TPDC, is implementing ambitious plans to maximize the use of natural gas in the country. Thanks to the collaboration with TAQA Dalbit, new infrastructure is being studied to bring gas to homes in Dar es Salaam, with the aim of connecting 10,000 homes. At the same time, the implementation of programs to promote the use of gas as an energy source for cooking is an integral part of the strategies to conserve the environment and improve the health of populations. However, cost challenges could slow this transition to natural gas, especially in rural communities. It is vital that the government considers introducing subsidies to make gas accessible to all, ensuring a clean and sustainable energy future for the country.
#Conclusions
From an economic point of view, the use of natural gas could promote economic growth in Tanzania, creating opportunities for investments in the sector and improving the country’s energy efficiency. From a political perspective, the government is committed to ensuring that natural gas resources are used in the best interests of the population, promoting development and reducing dependence on traditional energy sources. From a geopolitical perspective, adopting gas as a strategic energy source could strengthen Tanzania’s position in the region and improve its long-term energy security.
