TPDC crafts strategies to avail affordable LNG

TANZANIA:THE Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) plans to engage researchers in looking for a technology that will enable Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) be more affordable and accessible for domestic users in a move to boost clean energy drive in the country.

According to the corporation, the move aligns with the national agenda that focuses on ensuring 80 per cent of Tanzanians use clean cooking energy by the year 2034.

“We will deploy our researchers to conduct research and come up with a technology to ensure that the cost is reduced so that clean cooking energy becomes available at a low cost,” TPDC Senior Gas Engineer, Mr Anthony Karomba told the ‘Daily News’ over the weekend. “It is true that the infrastructure is there.

But it is unrealistic when we promote the use of clean energy while majority of Tanzanians cannot afford it. So, the researchers will see how to enable the LNG be affordable like the LPG which is available in different measures such as 15 kg or 7 kg,” Mr Karomba stated.

Mr Karomba further said the natural gas for cooking should be packaged at different volumes and be sold at lower prices. Mr Karomba said if citizens use clean cooking, it will help save the lives of approximately 35,000 Tanzanians who die from indoor air pollution caused by the use of charcoal and wood.

“Adopting sustainable cooking practices offers many benefits, from environmental conservation to promoting the wellbeing of the community,” Mr Karomba stressed. He said by choosing locally sourced ingredients, they reduced the carbon footprint associated with transportation and supported local farmers and producers, strengthening the communities.

He also said by using clean cooking energy it will save time, avoid conflicts at the family level, including doing away social effects such as miscarriage.

The implementation of clean cooking agenda in Tanzania began in 2022 and gained significant momentum last year when President Samia Suluhu Hassan launched the African Women’s Clean Cooking Support Programme at COP28.

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During the launch President Samia called upon the private sector to invest massively in the sector, including technology, to enable every citizen to easily access clean cooking energy.

The Head of State provided a roadmap as the country targets 80 percent of the population to use clean cooking energy by 2034.

Apart from lowering costs, President Samia said the strategy will enhance the country’s efforts in fighting against the effects of climate change.