PERMANENT Secretary in the Ministry of Energy Felchesmi Mramba has welcomed and asked companies from the United Kingdom to invest in Tanzania’s energy sector with a particular focus on renewable energy.

Mramba made the call in Dodoma yesterday when he met a delegation from the British High Commission in Tanzania, led by Euan Davidson, head of the sustainable development team. The meeting aimed at exploring potential areas for cooperation.

During the discussions, Mramba highlighted the need for increased investment in renewable energy projects, specifically solar power initiatives for household use in off-grid areas as well as large-scale solar investments to feed the national grid.

“This initiative aligns with the government’s goal to enhance the national grid with additional electricity from renewable sources,” he said.

He noted that the Kishapu-Shinyanga solar project which has a capacity to produce 150 MW is already underway with plans for further investments in other regions, including Dodoma (200 MW).

In terms of wind energy, he mentioned that some regions namely Dodoma, Singida, Mbeya, Njombe (Makambako), Kilimanjaro (Same), Mara and Arusha have been identified as having significant potential for wind power production and called for investment collaboration in the areas.

“Tanzania is rich in renewable energy resources, including geothermal potential across approximately 52 areas. If fully developed, these resources could generate more electricity than Kenya, which currently produces around 1,000 MW of geothermal power,” he said.

Mramba also stated the country’s commitment to clean energy sources such as blue hydrogen derived from natural gas and biogas, especially in rural areas with large livestock populations.

He informed the delegation about the government’s strategy to ensure that 80 percent of the population uses clean cooking energy by 2034 as part of the National Strategy for Clean Cooking Energy which involves both government initiatives and private sector participation.

Regarding electricity distribution, the PS said 99 percent of villages have been connected to the grid and announced that by December this year, every village in Tanzania will have access to electricity.

In his remarks, Davidson expressed appreciation for the comprehensive information provided by the ministry which will assist the UK to identify investment opportunities in Tanzania’s energy sector.

He noted the importance of the discussion, particularly as Tanzania is a priority country for the UK regarding investment and development initiatives.

The meeting also touched on the upcoming International Energy Conference set to take place in Tanzania in 2025 in which the UK has expressed interest to participate.