PROVISION OF SUSTAINABLE ENERGY ACCESS TO SOCIAL SERVICES INSTITUTIONS OF RURAL TANZANIA
Location(s)
Kibaha Region, Tanzania
Total Funds Disbursed
US $ 73,500 (The aggregate for efficient wood stoves, solar power and lighting project components)
Total Beneficiaries
Approximately 13,588 people (The aggregate for efficient wood stoves, solar power and lighting project components)
Local Partner / Organization
Alternative Energy Tanzania Ltd.
Project Description
Lack of access to modern, affordable and reliable energy services and the interrelated negative social and economic impacts for the majority of the population are the main drivers behind the program in Tanzania. 90% of the total energy used in Tanzania is produced from wood fuel and charcoal. 80% of this is consumed in rural areas. Access to electricity in urban areas is 39%, and in rural areas the level of access is only 2%.
This project targets the social services sector, specifically hospitals/medical clinics, schools, and community care centers (orphanages) where energy needs exist, but where there is little or no economic capacity to address these needs. Addressing the energy poverty needs of the social services sector, will directly help improve the range, availability and quality of the social services offered, while at the same time benefitting community health and the environment. It will also extend the provision of services after sunset and will realize a significant reduction in operating costs, freeing up funds and time to focus on the community support each institution provides.
Targeting improvements in well-known community institutions will provide tangible examples of the technology and how it works; the intention is to encourage change at the household level throughout the community.
Positive Impact
The project included:
The construction of improved wood stoves at two primary schools, one teacher’s residence, and one orphanage, decreasing wood consumption by 50%. Other benefits include decreasing cooking time, enabling students assigned to this chore to remain in class, and environmental impacts as frequency of firewood gathering/cutting and burning will be reduced.
The addition of LPG and stoves at one health centre, two secondary schools, and one orphanage. Benefits include cost and time savings, reducing environmental impact by eliminating kerosene and replacing with LPG, as well as health and safety benefits for the children by improving indoor air quality.
The installation of Solar PV panels at one health center, two secondary schools, one primary school, seven teacher’s residences, and one orphanage. Benefits include decreasing the environmental impact by eliminating kerosene and replacing with solar lighting, health centres will be able to expand services provided including the ability to perform blood testing, and will have night-time lighting, schools will have power for computers and printers allowing for additional information access, students will have night-time lighting for studying and night classes, and electrifying teachers’ residences will help schools attract and retain quality teachers in rural areas.
