Electricity in Benin in 2022

As of 2022, Benin's electricity consumption primarily relies on fossil fuels, with 1.11 TWh generated from these sources. This situation indicates a significant dependence on fossil-based electricity, suggesting that almost all electricity consumed is sourced from non-clean energy. Compared to the global average of 3606 watts per person, Benin's electricity usage is notably low, which may have various implications for the nation's development. Low electricity generation can hinder economic growth, limit access to vital services, and exacerbate the impacts of energy poverty. These challenges emphasize the urgent need to enhance Benin’s electricity generation capacity, particularly through low-carbon sources which have lower environmental drawbacks compared to fossil fuels like coal and natural gas.

Suggestions

To substantially increase low-carbon electricity generation, Benin can consider diversifying its energy mix by investing in nuclear, wind, and solar power. Learning from countries such as India and Brazil, which have successfully harnessed wind energy (92 TWh and 97 TWh respectively), could offer viable insights into scalable wind farms suited for Benin's climate and geography. Regarding solar energy, India has also excelled with 125 TWh from solar, which demonstrates the potential of this resource in geographic regions similar to Benin. Expanding into nuclear energy, emulating the United Arab Emirates with their 32 TWh of nuclear generation, can provide Benin with a stable and robust base-load power source, offering a sustainable pathway to balance and augment its energy supply while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

History

Examining the historical trajectory of low-carbon electricity in Benin, data spanning from the late 1990s to the present reveals a stagnation in clean energy growth. From 1997 through the early 2000s, there was no recorded increase in hydroelectric generation. The trend continued with biofuels from 2006 to 2010, and similarly, solar energy saw no growth from 2015 to 2021. These consistent zeros highlight a missed opportunity over decades to develop and sustain low-carbon electricity generation. Addressing these gaps is crucial for aligning with global green energy trends and ensuring reliable and environmentally friendly electricity supplies for the future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources