East Africa: EAC Focuses On Renewable Energy Sources
The partner states of the East African Community (EAC) have restated their dedication to boosting energy efficiency and harnessing wind, solar, and geothermal power as sustainable energy sources for the region.
As per a statement published on the community website, partner states have initiated various endeavors to tap into the potential of renewable energy and energy conservation.
These endeavors encompass revising national laws on renewable energy, implementing regulations for energy management, establishing national strategies and standards for energy efficiency and renewable energy, and advocating for energy efficiency and conservation.
During the Ministerial Session of the 16th Sectoral Council of Energy at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, partner states disclosed that investments in wind and solar energy infrastructure were in progress.
For instance, Burundi is advancing solar mini-grid projects, and Kenya is engaged in wind and solar initiatives. These efforts are geared towards augmenting the contributions of renewable energy to the national grid.
Rwanda and Tanzania have reported heightened investment in solar energy projects, while Uganda is concentrating on deploying solar energy for rural electrification.
The ministers were briefed that partner states are also exploring mini-hydro projects and transitioning biomass energy sources.
These initiatives span from endorsing sustainable charcoal production to implementing clean cooking solutions and bioenergy strategies.
The ministers acknowledged updates on ongoing fossil fuel projects and emphasized the region’s commitment to the development of the fossil fuel sub-sector.
Significant advancements include Kenya’s commercial oil discovery in the South Lokichar basin within the Tertiary rift basin, estimated at 2.9 billion barrels with a recoverable estimate of 585 million barrels.
Other updates encompass Tanzania’s preparations for the 5th licensing round of oil and natural gas exploration blocks both onshore and offshore, aiming to attract more investors.
Uganda’s petroleum resource development projects and progress in constructing the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project were also discussed. The actual installation of pipes on the ground for the EACOP project is scheduled to commence in May 2024.
In promoting petroleum exploration and development in the region, the Sectoral Council endorsed the 11th East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition 2025 (EAPCE’25) to be held from March 5th to 7th next year in Tanzania.
Regarding power connectivity in the region, the total power supply installed capacity is 7,381.67 Megawatts, while the total system peak demand stands at 4,811.2 Megawatts.
The regional per capita electricity consumption ranges from 25 kilowatt hours in Burundi to 153 kilowatt hours in Kenya.
The ministers noted persisting challenges in electricity supply, particularly due to vandalism of electricity infrastructure.
To address this issue, partner states have committed to implementing mitigation measures such as copper-plated earth rods, regulating scrap metal transactions, and community sensitization.
During the opening session of the Ministerial Session, the Chairperson Shaib Hassan Kaduara, the Minister of Water, Energy, and Minerals from the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, representing the Republic of South Sudan, the current Chair, stressed the significance of the energy sector in achieving the socio-economic development of the Community.
“Energy plays a critical role in industrial development and investment promotion and therefore access to reliable, safe and cost-effective energy is not optional but compulsory if our region is to realize its development objectives,” said Mr. Kaduara.
The minister invited partner states to the official launch of Tanzania’s Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant scheduled for February 25th this year.
“This hydropower plant has a capacity of generating 2,115 Megawatts. The launch of this project is a milestone that will reduce the deficit of electricity not only in Tanzania but in the entire region,” he added.
In her remarks, the EAC Deputy Secretary-General in charge of Customs, Trade, and Monetary Affairs, Ms. Annette Ssemuwemba, highlighted the rich energy resources in the EAC, most of which remain untapped.
“Most people still rely on biomass, which is inefficiently utilized and degrades our environment,” said Ms. Ssemuwemba, representing EAC Secretary-General Dr. Peter Mathuki at the meeting.
“As a region, we must focus on sufficient, reliable, and cost-effective energy to meet our development needs. In this regard, there is a need to come up with recommendations for solutions that will guide the sector,” she added.
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Also present at the meeting were the Minister of Hydraulic, Energy, and Mines from the Republic of Burundi, Engineer Ibrahim Uwizeye, and Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for EAC, the ASALs, and Regional Development, Ms. Peninah Malonza.
