Solid biofuels options and sustainability: TATEDO experience

Article ProceedingsBiomass energy (firewood and charcoal) are the main source of energy in Tanzania due to poverty, affordability and unavailability of alternatives. Biomass energy accounts for 90% of the overall energy consumption. The projections indicate that the contribution of solid biofuels will decrease, but the total use will increase during the coming decades due to population increase. Efficiencies of production and use of solid biofuels are usually low, with serious negative consequences. Charcoal demand has doubled over the past ten years as a result of rapid urbanization and high relative prices of or scarcity of energy substitutes, the projections show that the demand for charcoal, without appropriate interventions, will double by 2030, from approximately 2.3 million tons in 2012. The national biomass energy vision is to ensure that Tanzania and her people benefit from sustainable biomass energy management for sustainable development. In the efforts of enabling access to sustainable energy, TaTEDO has been promoting efficient cooking stoves and sustainable charcoal production. This paper discusses various alternative kiln technologies which were developed by TaTEDO for efficient use of biomass energy. The commonly used stoves (from the less to the most efficient) are provided. Various interventions for sustainable charcoal production are given. Among the recommendations provided for giving and maintaining biofuel options and sustainability include; improved resource management, improved regulations and governance and designing an enabling framework, enhanced affordability, and improved awareness on cooking technologie