SUSTAINABLE ENERGY AND RURAL ENERGY

Overview 

Sustainable energy development for rural areas is among the technical functions undertaken by TaTEDO to promote non-biomass modern energy technologies and services. The non-biomass modern energy technologies include solar photovoltaic, solar water heaters, solar dryers, wind turbines, pico and micro hydro plants, energy services platforms and biofuels production.  These functions are managed by Sustainable Energy and Rural Electrification Department (SERE). 

The main activity of the department is to create awareness and support entrepreneurs through training, business development and financing. SERE department also conducts research and studies. The department implements these activities through programmes, projects and consultancy activities and services. TaTEDO has trained more than 120 solar technicians/entrepreneurs in Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Tanga, Shinyanga, Coast, Dar es Salaam and Mwanza Regions.

Rural Energy Technologies

Solar Home system

TaTEDO promotes solar electric systems for households, small business e.g. phones charging   and for institutions such as dispensaries and schools.

Promotion of the solar PV technology has increased public awareness on potentials to access lighting, radio and TV/video services. Several customers in the community are getting connected with solar PV systems. TaTEDO is striving to increase number of SHS customers by linking them with the existing local micro-financial institutions such as SACCOS for accessing loans in order to purchase PV systems.

Solar Phone Multicharger

Solar phone multi-chargers enable people to charge cellular phones and create possibilities for income generation in the off-grid areas. Solar phone multi-chargers businesses have been tested in Monduli in Arusha Region and Kisarawe and Chanika districts in Coast Region.

Solar dryers

Solar drying technology is one of ways for preserving food and stimulates income-generating activities. Through this technology, the organization conducts demonstrations and trainings on solar drying technology to entrepreneurs and provides support to solar drying enterprises through provision of relevant information on solar drying technology and assist in market development. 

Solar Lanterns

Solar lanterns are used as a direct substitution for portable kerosene lantern. Lanterns come with a solar PV charger, for each unit or as a charging station. A fully charged lantern can be used for at least 5 hours continuously. 

Wind Energy

TaTEDO is participating in a research to identify areas with potential wind speed for energy generation of electricity and other mechanical applications. A number of potential sites have been identified and efforts are underway to develop wind farm projects.

Micro-Hydro

TaTEDO has identified more than forty potential sites for micro hydro electricity production in Tanzania. Out of 40 sites, one site has been developed. This site is located at Kinko village, Lushoto District in Tanga Region. The village is electrified by a 10KW micro-hydro plant. This was possible through a joint project implemented with UNIDO.  Another site, Zege, also in Lushoto, has been surveyed and feasibility study conducted for possible development of micro-hydro project.

Energy Service Platform (ESP) 

TaTEDO promotes Energy Service Platform (ESP) for production of electricity and powering different machines for a number of energy applications such as battery charging, grain milling, dehusking and seed pressing. The ESPs were introduced in Tanzania in late 2006 through a GAP Fund Pilot project, which was conducted in Dar es Salaam and Arusha regions. Until December 2007, three ESPs had already been installed at TaTEDO Sustainable Energy and Development Centre (SEDC) and in Engaruka and Leguruki villages.  In each village, three people have been trained on how to install, operate and maintain this machine and the entrepreneurs have been trained for successful running of the ESP business. Also since the ESP run on the locally available Jatropha oil, farmers have been sensitized to cultivate Jatropha as a way of fueling ESPs and income generation. TaTEDO is now planning to facilitate installation of more ESPs in off grid areas where there are potential for Jatropha production through local entrepreneurs.

Future Activities

TaTEDO through SE department is engaged in research activities to fabricate low cost biodiesel production plant for rural areas. These plants will be suitable for use in conjunction with the ESPs to stimulate energy production and utilization at village level. Other initiatives include exploring possibilities to manufacture lister engines and associated ESP parts in Tanzania