In 2022, Angola's electricity consumption was heavily reliant on low-carbon sources, with more than 75% originating from such methods. The vast majority of this low-carbon portion was derived from hydropower, which constituted around 74% of Angola's total electricity. Fossil energy, on the other hand, accounted for almost a quarter of the country's electricity mix, with gas contributing close to 10%. This signifies a strong reliance on clean energy sources, primarily hydropower, to meet the country's electricity needs. Despite this impressive figure for low-carbon energy, the presence of gas implies room for growth in fully transitioning to even cleaner energy solutions.
To further increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Angola could consider diversifying beyond hydropower by integrating other clean energy sources such as wind and solar power. Learning from Uruguay, where wind power constitutes 36% of electricity, could be particularly useful given Angola's geographical similarities. By investing in wind farms, Angola can enhance its electricity production with sustainable methods. Implementing solar energy can also be beneficial, taking cues from Chile and Australia, where solar-powered electricity reaches around 21% and 19% respectively. Additionally, considering emerging global trends, Angola could explore the possibilities of introducing nuclear energy for a stable and consistent low-carbon power supply.
The history of low-carbon electricity in Angola demonstrates consistent growth, particularly in hydropower. During the 1990s and early 2000s, there were modest annual increases, typically around 0.1 TWh per year. The period from the mid-2000s onwards saw more significant hikes, with increases ranging from 0.3 to 1.5 TWh annually. Notably, from 2012 to 2020, there was continuous expansion in hydropower capacity, suggesting concerted efforts to enhance clean electricity generation during this period. Particularly remarkable was the surge in 2018, with a substantial increment of 2.7 TWh, reflecting Angola's commitment to bolstering its hydropower infrastructure and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This developmental trajectory positions Angola as a potential leader in clean energy innovation within the region.