THE government is in preparations to launch the National Renewable Energy Strategy meant to stimulate investments in the subsector.

This was said in Dar es Salaam at the weekend by the Commissioner for Electricity and Renewable Energy in the Ministry of Energy Innocent Luoga when opening renewable energy conference.

The meeting was held at the Julius Nyerere International Conference Centre in Dar es Salaam and brought together various energy stakeholders in the country.

He said the ministry used the conference to explain various efforts made by the government in development of renewable energy in the country, including implementation of the National Strategy for Clean Energy.

Luoga said the launch of the strategy will reflect the National Development Vision 2025, Sustainable Development Goals and other international and national agreements on climate change.

 "By moving away from the use of biofuels such as firewood and charcoal for cooking, we not only reduce pollution but also improve the climate and the lives of millions of people. The implementation of this strategy will directly support the issue of clean energy for cooking, “he said.

He said the government is also preparing a strategy and work plan for energy efficiency in Tanzania that will support the implementation of the National Energy Policy and strategic goals of reducing the rate of dirty energy by 20 percent.

He said the overall goal is to ensure access to affordable and reliable services of sustainable and clean energy for the people within the next few years.

Mathew Matimbwi, Executive Secretary of Tanzania Renewable Energy Stakeholders Association (TAREA), asked the Ministry of Energy to have a representative from the private sector to be on the board of the Rural Energy Agency (REA) to strengthen implementation of various issues on renewable energy.