- Electricity Commissioner says Government will continue supporting young innovators in energy efficiency technologies
- Female innovators commended for turning up in large numbers in the field of energy efficiency
By Business Insider Reporter
The Government, through the Ministry of Energy in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has awarded a total grant of TSh 250 million to ten innovators who excelled in the National Innovation and Energy Efficiency Competition.
The grant was presented by the Commissioner for Electricity and Renewable Energy at the Ministry of Energy, Engineer Innocent Luoga, who represented the Permanent Secretary, Engineer Felchesmi Mramba, during a ceremony held on earlier this week in Dar es Salaam.
The event brought together a wide range of innovators specialising in energy efficiency across three key areas: the design of appliances that consume less electricity, the development of energy-efficient building infrastructure and the creation of devices that monitor electricity consumption.
Engineer Luoga explained that although many innovators entered the competition, a comprehensive evaluation process identified ten winners.
He highlighted that in its efforts to promote efficient energy use, the Government has already launched several national strategies, including the National Energy Efficiency Strategy and the National Communication Strategy on Clean Cooking Energy.
“The main objective of these strategies is to generate positive outcomes in energy efficiency, building on the creativity of young people who are advancing technologies that support the growth of the energy sector,” he said.
Engineer Luoga further noted that the rising innovation in energy-efficient technologies will contribute significantly to the country’s development, particularly in enhancing access to sustainable and environmentally friendly energy.
“The Government will continue to monitor and support young innovators in energy efficiency technologies, working closely with development partners such as the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB),” he added.
In a related development, Engineer Luoga revealed that the Government, through the Ministry of Energy, has advised UNDP to assist in establishing energy efficiency systems in public buildings at the Government City in Mtumba.
This initiative aims to set an example of environmentally friendly technology adoption within public institutions, while also encouraging the broader application of energy efficiency measures across other Government facilities.
For his part, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, John Rutere, stressed the importance of local innovation in accelerating social development and advancing energy transition in Tanzania.
“I particularly commend the female innovators who participated in the competition. Their strong presence reflects growing women’s involvement in the energy sector and in national development more broadly,” said Rutere. He added that empowering and elevating innovators, particularly women, would remain a priority to ensure that energy efficiency technologies are developed rapidly across African countries.
