Integrating Geospatial Data into Electricity Access Planning with Energy Access Explorer (EAE): A Case Study of Tanzania

Access to reliable electricity is fundamental to socioeconomic development, poverty reduction, education, healthcare, and industrialization. Although Tanzania has made significant progress in expanding electricity access through the Rural Energy Agency (REA) and Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO), many rural communities remain unelectrified due to high infrastructure costs, dispersed settlements, and difficult terrain. This study demonstrates how the Energy Access Explorer (EAE) can be used as a geospatial decision-support platform for electricity access planning in Tanzania. By integrating multiple datasets—including population distribution, electricity infrastructure, renewable energy potential, transportation networks, healthcare facilities, schools, and land-use information—the study identifies priority areas for electrification and recommends appropriate technologies such as grid extension, mini-grids, or stand-alone solar systems. The analysis indicates that densely populated settlements located within 10 km of existing transmission or distribution infrastructure are the most suitable candidates for grid expansion. Remote communities with moderate population density are better served through renewable energy mini-grids, while isolated households are ideal candidates for stand-alone solar systems. Overall, the study concludes that integrating geospatial data into energy planning significantly improves investment prioritization, reduces planning uncertainty, enhances transparency, and supports Tanzania's commitment to achieving universal electricity access under Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7).