Liquid biofuels for transportation in Tanzania

Aug 2005

Tanzania relies exclusively on imports for its oil needs. The value of Tanzania’s import increased from US $ 1,661.4 mio. in 2002 to US $ 2,145.3 mio. in 2003. This is largely attributed to an increase in import of fuel. The fuel bill increased from 2002 to 2003 over 100 % (from US $ 195.6 mio. to US $402.0 mio.). The continuous high oil prices are a heavy burden for the country.
This regional study reports on the potential of biofuels for transportation in Tanzania and is divided into four chapters:
Chapter 1 provides an overview of the current situation in the field of biofuels for transportation in Tanzania including the description of the transport sector and the (bio) fuel market as well as the identification of most relevant agricultural energy crops and forestry resources for biofuel production.
In Chapter 2 the potential for production of biofuels in Tanzania is examined under a set of realistic scenarios. This chapter evaluates whether there is a potential to produce biomass for biofuels at a level which could have a a real impact on the Tanzanian transport sector.
In Chapter 3 the potential for biofuels production in Tanzania are investigated in relation to sustainability targets. Aspects taken into account for this analysis include food security and energy provision as well as environmental, socio-economic, and macro-economic aspects.
A broad set of standards needs to be established underpinned by a detailed set of measurable criteria that can be monitored through an effective and transparent system, such as certification. This chapter summarises the main criteria that will affect the sustainable supply of biomass for energy and highlights the role assurance and certification could play in providing the mechanism for ensuring sustainability.
In Chapter 4 recommendations for decision-makers in Government and industry are presented. This section provides an overview on the various motivations for the establishment of biofuels programmes in Tanzania as well as key lessons learnt from other biofuels programmes. Biofuel implementation opportunities and opportunities for German-Tanzanian collaboration are identified. Finally, concrete recommendations for the introduction of biofuels in Tanzania are presented including the establishment of a Tanzanian Biofuels Task Force and a Tanzanian Biofuels Producer Association.

By: German Technical Cooperation (GTZ)

 
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