In 2023, the state of electricity consumption in Angola shows a significant reliance on low-carbon energy sources, contributing to more than three-quarters of the total electricity generation. Hydropower is the dominant source, with nearly 74% of electricity coming from this clean and sustainable form of energy. In contrast, fossil fuels, including gas, account for about 24% of electricity consumption, indicating room for improvement in reducing the reliance on these polluting energy sources. Solar energy, though currently making up just over 2% of the electricity share, represents a promising area for expansion in the nation's pursuit of a greener future.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Angola?
Despite the predominance of low-carbon energy sources, Angola's overall electricity consumption has seen a slight decrease in recent years. The latest figures from 2023 reveal an average consumption of 488 kWh per person, a modest decline compared to the historical high of 503 kWh per person recorded in 2020. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has also dropped slightly, with current figures slightly lower than the record set in 2020. This stagnation and decline in electricity and low-carbon generation is concerning given the growing global demand for electrification and the opportunities it presents to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy security.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Angola can learn from successful regions globally. Countries like Denmark, Iowa, and South Dakota have excelled in wind power, accounting for around 58-60% of their electricity generation, while regions such as France and Slovakia have successfully adopted nuclear energy, contributing to over 65% of their energy mix. Angola should consider expanding its solar capacity, as demonstrated by Nevada, with a solar generation near 34%. By broadening its energy portfolio to include nuclear and further investing in solar technologies, Angola can complement its hydropower strength, reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, and ensure a sustainable and reliable energy future.
History
In the history of low-carbon electricity in Angola, hydropower has been a steadily growing source. Since the late 1990s, Angola has incrementally expanded its hydroelectric capacity, with significant increases noted in 2013, 2017, and 2019, where the generation grew by 1 TWh, 1.8 TWh, and 2.8 TWh respectively. However, the transition to solar energy is relatively recent, with a notable increase of 0.4 TWh marked in 2022. The consistent growth of hydropower over the decades highlights a solid foundation for Angola's clean energy transition, yet the country stands to gain considerably by diversifying into other low-carbon technologies such as solar and nuclear. Looking forward, continued investments in these green energy sources will be crucial to meet the increasing energy demands of the future.
