Electricity in Benin in 2023
In 2023, Benin's electricity consumption is primarily reliant on fossil energy sources, with low-carbon sources contributing minimally. The global average electricity consumption per person stands at 3813 watts, a benchmark that Benin falls significantly short of, perhaps indicating societal impacts such as limited access to energy, which can hinder economic growth and improvement in living standards. With the majority of electricity coming from fossil fuels, Benin's current energy mix contributes considerably to air pollution and climate change, underscoring the urgency of transitioning towards low-carbon alternatives.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Benin can draw lessons from countries that have successfully increased their green energy output. For instance, India has made noteworthy strides in solar energy, producing 134 TWh, an area where Benin shows potential. Brazil’s wind energy, contributing 108 TWh, is another inspiring model, suggesting that wind could also be a viable path for Benin. Emulating the diverse low-carbon approaches from countries like China, investing significantly in both solar and wind power, Benin could leverage its geographical and climatic conditions to advance in these sectors. Moreover, serious consideration should be given to investments in nuclear power, drawing from the experiences of countries like France and Pakistan that have robust nuclear energy programs.
History
Historically, Benin's low-carbon electricity generation has been stagnant. Since 1997, there has been no significant change in hydroelectric power, with biofuels remaining static from 2006 onwards. Solar power, despite its potential, has also seen little activity since its introduction in 2015. This stagnation highlights a missed opportunity in harnessing Benin’s natural resources for sustainable electricity generation over recent decades. Moving forward, prioritizing the development of solar and wind, as complemented by nuclear, could facilitate a long-awaited transformation in Benin's electricity landscape. By doing so, Benin can enhance its energy independence and contribute to global efforts to mitigate climate change.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.