Electricity in Afghanistan in 2022

In 2022, Afghanistan's electricity consumption was largely dependent on imports, accounting for nearly 6 TWh, which represents a significant portion of its energy needs. The country's internal electricity generation is a mix of low-carbon and fossil fuel sources, but a detailed breakdown shows a limited adoption of clean energy alternatives like wind, solar, and hydro. Afghanistan's electricity generation per capita is significantly below the global average of 3638 watts per person, leading to various societal challenges such as hindered economic development, insufficient infrastructure, and poor quality of life for many citizens. This disparity highlights the urgent need for Afghanistan to increase its domestic electricity generation capacity, particularly through sustainable and low-carbon resources.

Suggestions

To augment its low-carbon electricity generation, Afghanistan can draw insights from countries that have successfully implemented clean energy solutions. For instance, India and Brazil have made strides in developing wind and solar power, generating substantial TWh from these sources. Emulating such strategies could prove beneficial for Afghanistan due to similar geographical potential for solar and wind energy. Additionally, exploring nuclear energy, as demonstrated by countries like the United States, France, and South Korea, could offer a viable long-term solution for Afghanistan to achieve a stable and substantial clean energy supply. Prioritizing investment and international collaboration in these green technologies will be crucial for Afghanistan to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and imported electricity.

History

Historically, Afghanistan's contribution to low-carbon electricity has primarily come from hydroelectric sources, with its output fluctuating over the decades. In the early 1990s, hydroelectric generation saw slight declines, which continued intermittently into the mid and late 1990s. However, the early 21st century brought about minor improvements, with a few years of increased hydroelectric output, particularly in 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2009. Despite these occasional gains, there have been recurring setbacks, notably in 2008, 2011, and the late 2010s. These historical trends underline the potential for development but also the inconsistency in capacity and infrastructure that needs addressing to ensure more reliable low-carbon electricity generation in the future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources