Currently, Angola's electricity consumption is dominated by low-carbon sources, which account for more than three-quarters of the total energy mix. Hydropower is the most significant contributor in this segment, providing almost three-quarters of the entire electricity supply. Solar energy, although a low-carbon source, contributes a small fraction, specifically just over 2% of the total. On the other hand, fossil energy makes up nearly one-quarter of the electricity mix, with gas being the primary fossil source at just over 9%. The heavy reliance on hydropower indicates a significant commitment to clean energy, but there's room for growth in diversifying low-carbon sources like solar.
Is Electricity Growing in Angola?
Despite Angola's strong low-carbon electricity foundation, electricity consumption per person has slightly declined in recent years. The latest figures show that, on average, each person consumes 488 kWh annually, down from the previous high of 503 kWh in 2020. This represents a reduction of 14 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation per capita has seen a modest decrease, from a historical high of 380 kWh per person in 2020 to 373 kWh in 2023. These minor declines suggest a stagnation in electricity growth, raising concerns about Angola's ability to provide adequate energy for its population's future needs.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Angola could look to successful regions with robust solar and nuclear energy programs. Lessons can be drawn particularly from countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear contributes a significant portion of the electricity supply at 69% and 64%, respectively. Given Angola’s abundant sunlight, inspiration can also come from regions like Nevada and Lebanon, where solar accounts for nearly a third of the electricity generation. By expanding both nuclear and solar infrastructures, Angola can fortify its energy security while maintaining its commitment to reducing fossil fuel reliance and mitigating climate change effects. The dual focus on nuclear and solar will enable Angola to sustainably meet future electricity demands for development and technological advancements.
History
Historically, Angola's low-carbon electricity generation has primarily been driven by hydropower. Beginning in the early 2000s, Angola steadily increased its hydropower capacity, with notable expansions every few years. From modest gains in the early 2000s, a significant boost was observed from 2012 onward, with a substantial increase in 2016 and a remarkable jump in 2018 when hydropower capacity expanded by 2.7 TWh. The introduction of solar electricity began in 2022, with a modest increase, suggesting a diversification effort. The consistent growth seen through most of the 2000s, despite minor setbacks, underscores Angola's long-standing commitment to low-carbon electricity and the potential for future enhancements through embracing additional clean energy technologies like solar and nuclear.