Assessment of the Tanzanian Biogas Sector: First Empirical Results using the Appropriate Energy Model

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to enhance understanding how appropriate energy provisions can structurally be disseminated in Tanzania. Using mixed methods of analysis and adopting a cluster perspective, this study presents a model to measure the degree of appropriate energy cluster formation in Tanzania by means of a case study in the biogas sector. The model consists of ‘institutional, enterprise and contextual’ dimensions. The results showed that besides institutional and enterprise considerations, contextual dimensions as adopter’s culture, economic situation and current energy provision determine societal acceptance of introduced energy technologies. Climatic conditions and available biomass are important geographical factors, which determine the technical ‘appropriateness’ of biogas.