Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – The Rural Energy Agency (REA) is making significant strides towards ensuring that 80% of Tanzanians use clean cooking energy by 2034, a key objective of the National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy. This commitment was reaffirmed by REA Director General, Engineer Hassan Saidy, at the 49th International Trade Fair (Sabasaba) in Dar es Salaam.
Engineer Saidy emphasized REA’s mandate to provide all forms of clean energy to rural areas, including electricity, clean cooking solutions, and petroleum products. He highlighted that while some projects are complete, many are in various stages of implementation to achieve this widespread access.
“REA is tasked with ensuring all rural areas have access to all types of clean energy used in the country, including electricity, clean cooking energy, and petroleum and diesel products,” stated Eng. Saidy.
Tackling Unsafe Energy Use in Rural Areas
Currently, a staggering 96% of rural Tanzanians rely on firewood and charcoal for cooking, posing significant health and environmental risks. REA is actively working to transition these communities to safer, cleaner alternatives.
The agency is implementing a multi-pronged approach, including:
- Public Awareness and Education: Informing citizens about the dangers of unsafe energy and the benefits of clean cooking.
- Improving Access: Making clean energy products more readily available in rural communities.
- Enabling Technology: Supporting the adoption of efficient clean energy technologies.
Eng. Saidy debunked the misconception that clean cooking energy is inherently more expensive. He explained that modern, improved technologies reduce energy waste during cooking, ultimately lowering costs for users. He also noted that people often overlook the hidden costs of traditional fuels, such as the time spent collecting firewood and the associated hardships.
Presidential Support Fuels Progress
Engineer Saidy extended profound gratitude to President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for her unwavering support and for empowering REA in its mission. He acknowledged her as a leading advocate for clean cooking energy in Tanzania.
Tangible Achievements Under the National Strategy
REA has already achieved notable successes since the inception of the National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy:
- Subsidized Gas Cookers: A 50% subsidy on 6 kg gas cylinders and their burners has enabled numerous rural households to switch to clean cooking.
- Widespread Gas Distribution: The government, under President Samia, has provided a subsidy on approximately 452,000 cooking gas cylinders, which are now being distributed across all regions of mainland Tanzania. This follows the distribution of 110,000 cylinders through Members of Parliament two years prior.
- Prisons Go Green: All 129 prisons in Tanzania have transitioned from unsafe energy sources. REA is now working to extend clean cooking solutions to the families of Prison Officers.
- Institutional Transition: Following President Samia’s directive for institutions serving over 100 people to adopt clean cooking, REA aims to reach over 400 institutions this financial year. This initiative began with the Prisons Department, the National Service (JKT), and approximately 53 schools.
- Affordable Fuel Access: REA has also launched a low-interest loan project to facilitate the construction and operation of petrol and diesel stations, bringing affordable and quality fuel services closer to rural communities.