Energy efficiency in action: GIZ tackles the water-energy nexus in Tanzania

Panel: 4. Mobility, transport, and smart and sustainable cities

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Authors:
Sven Ernedal, Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (4E) Project / EU – Viet Nam Energy Facility, Vietnam
Jesper Vauvert, GIZ Sustainable energy project, Tanzania
Nathan Moore, GIZ Sustainable energy project, Tanzania
Leonard Pesambili, GIZ Sustainable energy project, Tanzania

Abstract

Tanzanian utilities struggle to ensure an adequate and reliable supply of water, and face increasing pressure from a rapidly growing demand for water. High energy intensity of operations and related high energy costs for water supply systems in Tanzania further compounds these challenges. A significant number of the country’s water utilities are financially weak and have difficulty paying their energy bills. Consequently, end users frequently suffer supply interruptions. Contributing to high energy costs for water production is the old and poorly maintained equipment, generally very high water losses, and the use of expensive diesel generators to cover frequent power outages. The high energy intensity, however, also presents the utilities with a significant opportunity to reduce costs and capitalize on savings through increased energy efficiency. Based on earlier studies and energy audits in Tanzania and comparisons to international best practices, the achievable energy efficiency gains are expected to be 20-40%. However, a lack of awareness of EE opportunities and benefits, and of effective project implementation and financing structures, within Tanzania underscores the need for incentive mechanisms to boost investments and facilitate implementation of energy efficiency in the water sector through public-private partnerships. The regulator for energy and water in Tanzania is therefore adopting a holistic approach aiming at securing the long-term supply of affordable and sustainable energy and water. GIZ supports these efforts through the water utilities and the regulator by identifying energy saving opportunities and assisting with implementation of projects by the utilities and private sector partners. GIZ’s support also includes capacity building for utilities and service providers, and a strengthening of the dialogue between the regulator and water utilities on development of mechanisms to incentivize investments in energy efficiency. The project aims to leverage synergies from similar efforts in Uganda, and more widely in the water sector throughout the East African region.