‘Advance gas research initiatives’

Hilda Mhagama

• Samia demands fast-track of a national gas distribution masterplan

ZANZIBAR: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has called for increased research in Tanzania’s

natural gas sector and the preparation of a national gas distribution masterplan to attract private sector investment.

She said with a focus on collaboration and innovation, Tanzania aims to attract investment and propel its energy sector forward.

The Head of State made the call yesterday at the Tunguu State House in Zanzibar at the swearing-in ceremony of the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, Dr James Mataragio.

“Therefore, let’s do more research to find more gas, which will enable the government to handle it on its own.

Alternatively, we may include the private sector; certain nations are interested in collaborating with Tanzania on gas research, so that eventually we can handle it jointly,” said Dr Samia.

President Samia highlighted the significant role of the energy sector in driving economic development.

She stressed that energy growth is closely linked to overall national progress and urged stakeholders to prioritise efforts in this critical area.

“The energy sector has a profound impact on our country’s economic development. When energy grows, people grow complacent,” President Samia remarked, underscoring the urgency of enhancing energy infrastructure and encouraging both public and private sector participation in gas exploration and distribution.

On gas distribution, she said the government needs assistance from the private sector to distribute the commodity, saying the government cannot shoulder the burden alone.

However, before contacting them, she said the government needs to establish a comprehensive gas distribution strategy.

“The investors we will lure will need a gas distribution masterplan so they can know where we are going, what the infrastructure is and whether the survey is done, this is crucial,” she stated.

President Samia reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the reliability and efficiency of existing power plants and infrastructure, while also advocating for increased research to discover new gas reserves.

She emphasised the importance of collaboration with international partners to advance gas research initiatives, signalling Tanzania’s readiness to cooperate with interested parties.

“We must leverage our natural resources for the benefit of our citizens. Let’s open ourselves up to investors and provide them with the necessary support and frameworks to facilitate their involvement in our energy sector,” President Samia urged.

Furthermore, President Samia disclosed plans to travel to Paris in May to attend the International Energy Agency Summit on Clean Cooking in Africa to secure funding for energy projects, particularly focusing on clean cooking initiatives in Africa.

She expressed confidence in raising the targeted 4 billion US dollars for these endeavours, emphasising the need for swift action to achieve tangible progress.

In support of her vision, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa commended the Ministry of Energy for its efforts in enhancing the national grid, noting the successful addition of 235 megawatts to the energy supply from the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant Project (JNHPP).

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Doto Biteko, expressed gratitude to President Samia for her leadership and acknowledged challenges facing the sector.

He underscored the importance of streamlining procedures to attract investment while highlighting Tanzania’s potential in the oil and gas industry.

“Our neighbours have already made strides in this sector, and it is time for Tanzania to accelerate its efforts. With President Samia’s guidance, we are confident that we can achieve significant improvements,” Minister Biteko stated.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) is convening global leaders for a Summit on Clean Cooking in Africa to make 2024 a turning point for progress on ensuring clean cooking access for all.

It will be held on May 14, 2024 at the IEA Headquarters in Paris.

Today, nearly four in five Africans still cook their meals over open fires and traditional stoves, using wood, charcoal, animal dung and other polluting fuels.

This has dire impacts on health, gender equality and the environment, with women and children bearing the worst consequences.