The Role of Renewable Energy Policies for Effective Climate Change Mitigation Actions in Tanzania

Abstract

Tanzania has the target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions between 30% and 35% by 2030. Renewable energy sources have potential to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while achieving sustainable development in Tanzania. This paper provides an overview of the public policies in the renewable energy sub-sector in Tanzania. Information on renewable energy, climate change, relevant policies and other related literature were gathered through electronic search and desk review. The retrieved data and information confirm and demonstrate that warming of the climate system is unequivocal due to human induced activities. We note also that renewable energy sources have potential to contribute about two-third of the global total primary energy carbon dioxide emission reduction. Renewable energy may have carbon dioxide savings of the range of global cumulative carbon dioxide from about 220 to 560 GtCO₂ in the period of 2010 to 2050. In Tanzania, renewable energy policies would enable the country to contribute to the global goal of reduction of greenhouse gas emissions while achieving its sustainable development according to the national circumstances.

Keywords: Climate change mitigation, renewable energy, sustainable development, energy policies, Tanzania