Publication Type: Other
Countries: Tanzania
Authors: SOAS-ACE
Publication date: June 2019
Keywords: Electricity
Beyond grand corruption, what incremental steps could lead towards a sustainable energy technology mix?
Research Questions
What factors have made the Tanzanian electricity sector particularly vulnerable to inefficiencies and corruption? How can incremental steps improve the electricity supply mix for different users in Tanzania?
Key Findings
Despite the presence of more reliable and cost-effective options for electricity generation, which could benefit both producers and users, trade-offs between expanding access to the grid and the incentives and technical conditions for reliable and efficient power generation have led to the financial vulnerability of Tanzania’s electricity supply, and limited the development of the off-grid system.
Implications
Development of a more diversified, reliable and cheaper energy technology mix, including a targeted mix of on-grid and offgrid greener investments, will be possible if incentives are aligned around sustainable business value propositions, based on comparative energy cost structures, and options for smaller scale and incremental financial commitment from capable investors.
