THE future of energy in the East African region is intricately linked to climate change, which may undermine the viability of certain energy sources, EAC zone countries have been cautioned.

Vice President Dr Philip Mpango, addressing the 11th East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition (EAPCE) in Dar es Salaam yesterday, said that EAC countries must find a way to balance energy production with environmental sustainability.

“This is a tricky responsibility, but one we must face. We cannot solve today’s challenges by compromising the ability of future generations to generate their own energy," he said, in remarks focused heavily on the role of innovation and technology in exploiting the region’s natural resources.

He called on EAC countries to prioritize the use of advanced technologies to ensure the sustainable use of available resources, benefiting not just today’s population, but future generations as well.

"Innovation is key," he asserted. "We need to think beyond the present and harness technology to create energy solutions that will benefit current and future generations."

The East African Community (EAC) partner states need to strike a delicate balance in addressing today’s pressing energy challenges while securing long-term opportunities for future generations, he said.

Technological innovations have transformed oil and gas extraction and storage methods, enabling cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions for the future, he stated, urging the EAC states to establish dedicated savings funds for petroleum revenue.

These would allow investments in infrastructure and foster strong forward and backward linkages in the energy sector, he said, insisting that this approach should be coupled with a strong commitment to environmental protection as a collective responsibility for future generations.

"The time has come to strike a balance between addressing today’s energy challenges and creating opportunities for tomorrow," he further noted, elaborating that by utilizing all available energy resources, “we can generate funds to reinvest in the sector, ensuring that future generations have the necessary tools to thrive."

Major hurdles facing the region’s energy sector such as limited access to modern energy services and inadequate financial resources if left unaddressed could hinder development and sustainability in the long term, he stated.

He pointed at ways to overcome these obstacles with ongoing government initiatives, especially the rural electrification programme as instrumental in providing energy access to remote areas.

"Access to reliable energy is a key driver of economic growth," he said, highlighting the government's commitment to guaranteeing clean energy access for all, especially in rural areas.

He warned, however, that the EAC stands at a crossroads, where unprecedented opportunities exist alongside significant challenges that threaten the region’s energy sector.

Dr Doto Biteko, the deputy prime minister and Energy minister, had earlier stated that Tanzania has made significant strides in its energy sector, especially using the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC).

Veronica Nduva, the EAC secretary general emphasized the importance of intertwining innovation and technological advancements to facilitate proper investment and returns. She also stressed the need for local training to ensure active participation in the energy sector.

Although the EAC was not a major player in the energy sector in the past, recent discoveries of natural gas and oil deposits have positioned the region as a noticeable energy player.

"Progress has been made in the past few years, including investments and infrastructure, which must be supported by the necessary policy and legal frameworks," she said.

Ruth Ssentamu, the Energy and Mineral Development minister for Uganda, urged EAC states to collaborate and share knowledge on advancements made, so they can collectively achieve the goal of economic integration.

The conference, held under the theme "Unlocking Investment in Future Energy: The Role of Petroleum Resources in the Energy Mix for Sustainable Development in East Africa," highlighted the critical role of petroleum and energy innovation in the region’s future.