Diversification of energy sources in Tanzania: environmental concerns and possible remedies

Abstract

Power generation and the utilization of all types of energy have an effect on the environment. As Tanzania continue to develop and diversify its energy infrastructure and utilities in line with its national energy policy, environmental concerns ought to be taken into consideration, in order to ensure sustainable development. Fossil fuel combustion in power plant emits flue gases and bottom ash (solid waste). The flue gas from burning of coal and oil have a number of environmentally harmful constituents, including carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), oxides of nitrogen (NO_x), and particulate matters (unburnt hydrocarbons, traces of heavy metals including mercury and arsenic). The environmental effects of the emissions from fossil-fuelled power stations are complex and not fully understood but the main ones are believed to be acid rain, global warming, and public health deterioration. Some of the environmental and safety problems arising from hydroelectric schemes includes: The possibility of a dam burst and associated tragedies, hazards to wildlife as the schemes interfere with the natural habitat of flora and fauna particularly migratory fish, and the adverse visual impact on the environment. Approaches which may be used in reducing the environmental impacts of power generation from fossil fuels include: changing the type of fuel, removing the harmful emissions from the flue gases, improving the technology of the combustion process so that less emissions are produced, and making use of the waste heat produced by power stations so that overall energy efficiency is increased. Hydroelectric power station can be harmonized with its surrounding by proper landscape design in order to overcome the adverse visual impact on the environment, and the provision of fish passes coupled with the enforcement of statutory minimum water flow aiming in the minimization of hazards to wildlife and interference with the natural habitat of flora and fauna particularly migratory fish.

Keywords: Power generation, electricity, greenhouse gases, acid rain, electrostatic precipitator, fabric filter, Scrubber