Afghanistan’s electricity consumption in 2023 was just 173 kWh per person, less than 5% of the global average of 3,794 kWh per person—roughly one twenty-second as much. Net electricity imports totaled about 6.2 TWh, highlighting the importance of supplies from abroad. Domestic low-carbon electricity generation was only 20 kWh per person. The supplied data do not identify the sources of imported electricity or quantify domestic fossil-fuel generation, so the overall split between clean electricity and fossil electricity cannot be determined. Such low electricity consumption can constrain healthcare, education, irrigation and businesses, while limiting opportunities for electrification and digital services. Expanding reliable, clean electricity would help support development without the climate change and air pollution associated with fossil fuels.

Is Electricity Growing in Afghanistan?

Electricity consumption is growing, but only modestly: the 2023 figure of 173 kWh per person exceeded the previous record of 169 kWh in 2021 by just 4 kWh, or about 2%. This new high is encouraging, yet the small increase leaves an enormous gap with global consumption levels. Domestic low-carbon electricity generation presents a more concerning picture. At 20 kWh per person, it was 46 kWh below its 1990 record of 66 kWh—about 70% lower. These figures show that record electricity consumption has not been matched by a recovery in clean generation per person. Afghanistan needs substantially stronger growth in low-carbon electricity to serve households, industry and future demand.

Suggestions

Solar offers a strong starting point for expanding Afghanistan’s clean electricity supply, through both local systems and larger projects connected to an improved grid. Nearby Pakistan provides a relevant example, generating about 41 TWh from solar, while India generated about 205 TWh. Afghanistan could learn from these regions’ experience in deploying solar, developing skilled workforces and building electricity infrastructure. Wind could complement solar where local resource assessments identify suitable sites; India’s roughly 125 TWh of wind generation demonstrates its potential at scale. Nuclear should also be considered as part of a longer-term clean electricity strategy, supported by international cooperation, workforce development and institutional planning. Pakistan’s roughly 22 TWh of nuclear generation and the United Arab Emirates’ 32 TWh offer useful regional examples of nuclear’s contribution to electricity supply. Together, solar, wind and nuclear provide pathways toward a larger, more dependable low-carbon electricity system.

History

Afghanistan’s recorded low-carbon electricity history is dominated by fluctuations in hydropower. During the 1990s, the listed annual declines totaled about 0.5 TWh, marking a substantial loss of clean generation. The early 2000s brought a partial recovery, with increases totaling 0.4 TWh during 2001–2003, followed by further fluctuations through 2009. Another uneven recovery occurred in the early 2010s: a 0.2 TWh fall in 2011 was followed by gains totaling 0.4 TWh during 2012–2014. Generation fell again in 2018 before rising by 0.3 TWh in 2019, the largest annual increase listed. Unfortunately, consecutive declines during 2020–2022 then erased about 0.4 TWh. This stop-start record underscores the need to strengthen existing clean electricity supply while adding substantial new solar and other low-carbon generation.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade