Abstract:
In Tanzania, the top development agenda is the pursuit of expanding
energy supply and access in both rural and urban areas. The purpose is to realise a
viable transition to sustainable and universal access to clean energy. While the efforts
are visible, there is still a need to increase access through a diverse approach. One of
the possible approaches is through a potential energy co-operative model. Thus, this
study explores the feasibility of the energy co-operative model as a complementary
strategy in expediting production, distribution, and access to clean energy in
Tanzania. The study documents the global success stories of energy co-operatives,
examines how energy co-operatives in a worldwide perspective can be adapted in
Tanzania to enhance energy access for sustainable development. Using desk review,
interview and thematic analysis, the study found that the global north has
successfully established and democratised energy co-operative models to increase
energy access. Countries like Denmark, Germany and the United States of America
have strong energy co-operatives that supply clean and modern energy to mega and
small consumers in urban and rural areas. The study found that the true success factors for energy co-operatives in the global north include the enabling policy and
legal frameworks, stakeholders’ involvement, financial support, and technological
advancement that allows diverse forms of clean energy production and distribution,
such as biogas. Moreover, the study expounds that Tanzania has the potential to
expand energy streams and access using the available resources, such as
environmental richness, supportive regulatory authority, collaboration, and
partnership between the private and public sectors. The national energy strategy and
objectives in Tanzania offer a conducive environment for clean energy production by
the private sectors, which in turn contribute to the expansion of electricity supply for
sustainable development. Strategic policy adjustments and co-operative sector
regulation can serve as a viable alternative energy supply effort.
