By Charles Mkoka
Dar
es Salaam— Tanzania is set to host a landmark regional
conference on Efficient Energy Use from December 4 to 5, 2024, in Arusha,
bringing together leaders and experts from East African countries and the
Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Announced November 5, 2024, by Engineer
Innocent Luoga, Commissioner of Electricity and Renewable Energy, the
conference is organized in collaboration with the European Union (EU), the
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Embassy of Ireland.
Engineer
Luoga highlighted that this gathering, the Regional Energy Efficiency
Conference (REEC), is a crucial development in the joint program for Efficient
Energy Use, initiated in 2022 by Tanzania, UNDP, the EU, and the Embassy of
Ireland.
The
conference will bring together around 400 participants, including government
ministers, industry experts, and private sector leaders, to discuss sustainable
energy solutions, investment opportunities, and the policy frameworks needed to
advance energy efficiency across the region. Tanzania’s Deputy Prime Minister
and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, will officially open the event.
The
efficient and high-quality use of electricity is of great importance to
Tanzania, Engineer Luoga noted, as the program aims to reduce electricity loss,
lower costs, and advance environmental protection efforts.
Under
this initiative, Tanzania has made strides in supporting education and innovation
in energy. Since the program’s inception, the government has sponsored female
students in energy-related fields and implemented standards for
energy-efficient appliances through the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS).
Additionally, over 150 young people have received scholarships to foster
innovations in energy efficiency practices.
Ireland’s
Deputy Ambassador to Tanzania, Mags Gaynor, praised Tanzania’s commitment to
effective energy management, noting that the strategy represents a significant
step toward a more efficient energy future. Her comments reflect the Embassy of
Ireland’s satisfaction with Tanzania’s active role in implementing the program
and its efforts to build a comprehensive energy efficiency strategy.
Massimiliano
Pedretti, Program Manager for Energy Projects from the EU, commended Tanzania’s
progress and announced that the EU would extend its support through 2025.
Originally set to conclude this year, the program will now benefit from
expanded funding and scope to further strengthen Tanzania’s ongoing initiatives
and create a more sustainable energy landscape.
Abbas
Kitogo, a Projects Expert from UNDP, emphasized the conference’s role in
uniting the region toward shared goals. According to Kitogo, by sharing skills
and knowledge, the conference will help align energy efficiency efforts across
borders. Kitogo noted that improved energy practices could direct more
electricity toward critical areas, reduce energy costs, and free up resources
for further development projects.
This
conference highlights Tanzania’s leadership in energy efficiency and the value
of regional cooperation. It represents a significant step forward in
sustainable development and efficient energy use across East and Southern
Africa, setting an example of effective partnerships that drive positive change
in energy practices.