UNDP Inaugurates 227kWp Hybrid Solar System in Promoting Sustainable Energy in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam - The UNDP Tanzania Country Office today has officially inaugurated its 227kWp Hybrid Solar Power System, which is installed at the United Nations House in Dar es Salaam. The move is exemplary in demonstrating the promotion and adoption of the sustainable energy in Tanzania; and to reaffirm the UNDP’s role in spearheading the localization of the UN’s Sustainable Energy For All (SE4ALL) initiative as well as the global Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs), specifically SDG 7 on Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG 13 on Climate Action.

The Hybrid Solar System is currently the biggest single solar power plant site in Tanzania. The System is designed to offset 70% of power from the grid and the currently installed carbon-intensive generators with the renewable energy from the sun. The System is expected to save US$34,618 annually recovering the investment cost in 12 years. Annual GHG offset will be 68 tons of Carbon dioxide. It will also reduce cost of energy consumption, ensure reliable energy supply, eliminate noise pollution from generators, contribute to protecting the environment and more importantly enhance business continuity at the UN House.

Ms. Verity Nyagah, Acting Resident Representative, UNDP commented:

“The successful completion of this Hybrid Solar System at the UN House sets a framework for other organizations, both public and private, to follow suit, thus helping the country to play a key role in localizing the SE4ALL initiative as well as implementing the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to address climate change in Tanzania.”

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Hon. Dr. Medard Kalemani (MP) said, "The beauty of Renewable Energy technologies is that it can also be implemented in various forms for some can use existing infrastructure such as buildings, railway and Bus stations and others thus avoiding usage of much land which could be available for other land uses. UNDP through this system has demonstrated the applicability of office spaces in the development of renewable energy."

The installation of the Hybrid Solar System took 3 months from Feb 2019 to May 2019. The installation work was done by Enviroearth and their local partner Baraka Solar.

About Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL)

SE4ALL is an ambitious initiative announced by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon in 2011 with the aim of catalysing all stakeholders into achieving sustainable energy for all. It has three key goals to be achieved by 2030; Ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services; Double the share of renewable energy (RE) in the global energy mix and Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency (EE). UNDP Tanzania has been implementing a Programme to support the Government of Tanzania (GoT) in domesticating the SE4ALL in Tanzania through the development of Action Agenda, Investment Prospectus, Establishment of the SE4ALL Secretariat, Procurement for energy sector development and Promotion and demonstration of sustainable energy projects across the country.

About UNDP

UNDP is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help build a better life. UNDP started its operations in Tanzania after signing of Standard Basic Assistance Agreement (SBAA) with the Government in 30th May 1978. The overall focus for UNDP Tanzania is to support the Government of Tanzania to improve lives of the people through strategic programmatic areas of inclusive democratic governance, inclusive economic growth and sustainable livelihoods and environmental sustainability, climate change and resilience.