In 2023, electricity consumption in Angola displayed a significant reliance on low-carbon sources, with more than three-quarters coming from these clean sources. Hydropower was the dominant contributor, supplying almost 74% of the total electricity consumption. This commitment to low-carbon electricity places Angola in a strong position regarding sustainable energy practices. Conversely, fossil fuels contributed to about a quarter of the electricity consumption, with gas accounting for a small portion, close to one-tenth. Solar energy, while modest at slightly over 2%, reflects a sector with potential growth. Such diversification in energy sourcing indicates Angola's ongoing transition towards a higher share of clean electricity.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Angola?
Despite this commendable commitment, electricity consumption in Angola has faced challenges in growth. As of 2023, the total electricity consumption per person was 488 kWh, which marks a slight decline from its 2020 level of 503 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation also decreased from 380 kWh per person in 2020 to 373 kWh per person in 2023. This stagnation in electricity consumption and generation is worrisome as it signals a need for increased capacity and production to meet the growing demands of modern advancements such as electrification and AI, which are expected to drive future energy needs.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity production, Angola can draw inspiration from regions with a strong focus on clean energy. Countries like Denmark and Iowa are exemplary models in wind energy, with notable contributions of 60% and 58% respectively. Additionally, states like California and Nevada have made significant strides in solar energy, generating 31% and 34% of their electricity from solar. Meanwhile, the success of nuclear power in countries like France and Slovakia, each generating more than two-thirds of their electricity from nuclear sources, underscores its potential as a stable low-carbon energy supplement. By investing in solar and potentially exploring nuclear energy options, Angola could significantly elevate its clean energy output, align with global sustainability goals, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, thereby mitigating climate change impacts.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Angola predominantly revolves around hydropower, which has experienced various phases of growth. In the early 2000s, there were incremental increases, notably in 2004 and 2005, each year adding approximately 0.5 TWh to the supply. A surge occurred from 2016 onwards, with 2017 witnessing a remarkable increase of 1.8 TWh, followed by another boost in 2019 of 2.8 TWh. Most recently, in 2023, there was a continued upward trend with a 0.6 TWh increase. Concurrently, solar made its mark as a newer contributor in 2022 with an addition of 0.4 TWh, showcasing emerging diversity in Angola's clean electricity landscape. These developments point to a growing commitment towards enhancing low-carbon electricity generation, albeit with room for further expansion and diversification.
