Electricity in Afghanistan in 2023
In Afghanistan, electricity consumption in 2023 reveals a challenging scenario. The country heavily relies on electricity imports, exceeding 6 TWh, to supplement its limited domestic production. Fossil energy sources are the primary contributors to Afghanistan's electricity sector, resulting in close to none of the consumption coming from clean or low-carbon energy sources. With per capita consumption at merely 173 kWh, the figure is significantly below the global average of approximately 3650 kWh per person. Such low electricity generation can impede economic growth, reduce quality of life, limit access to critical services, and hinder development initiatives. Moreover, the reliance on fossil fuels raises concerns concerning pollution and climate impact.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and Enerdata. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Afghanistan?
The comparison of electricity consumption between recent years indicates a modest growth, rising from 169 kWh per person in 2021 to 173 kWh in 2023, marking an increase of only 4 kWh. This growth, while positive, is marginal and suggests a slow upward trend that may not suffice to meet future demands efficiently. Sadly, low-carbon electricity generation has dwindled from its peak in 1990 of 66 kWh per person down to 20 kWh in 2023, representing a decline of 46 kWh. This drop is worrisome and points towards a potential neglect or inability to harness sustainable energy sources, undermining efforts for a cleaner, more sustainable energy mix.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Afghanistan can glean valuable insights from regions with successful clean energy initiatives. Countries like India and Brazil have made significant strides in solar and wind energy, generating 153 TWh and 76 TWh from solar respectively, and 114 TWh from wind. Solar energy, being abundant and increasingly cost-effective, should be a priority for Afghanistan. Furthermore, observing the nuclear advancements in countries like the People's Republic of China and the United States, with 475 TWh and 778 TWh respectively, illustrates the potential of nuclear as a robust, ongoing energy source. Embracing these technologies can aid Afghanistan in reducing its fossil fuel dependency, improving energy security, and contributing positively to combating climate change.
History
Historically, Afghanistan's low-carbon electricity generation has been primarily dependent on hydroelectric power. Throughout the 1990s, there was a gradual decline in hydroelectric capacity, with reductions in 1991, 1992, and 1995. The early 2000s saw minor positive shifts, with occasional increases as in 2001 and 2003, though this was offset by declines such as those in 2004 and 2008. More recently, from 2011, fluctuations continued with minor gains and losses resulting in an overall stagnation rather than growth of hydroelectric contribution to the electricity grid. The lack of diversification into other low-carbon sources like solar or wind is a significant shortcoming and calls for urgent attention to build a stable and expanding clean energy infrastructure.
