Electricity in Benin in 2022

In 2022, Benin's electricity consumption shows a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, with fossil-based electricity making up almost all of the electricity generation at 1.11 Terawatt-hours (TWh). Low-carbon energy sources such as hydroelectric, biofuels, and solar contribute close to none, highlighting a significant gap between Benin's current electricity generation and more sustainable practices. Compared to the global average of 3638 watts per person, Benin falls significantly short. This low level of electricity generation can lead to limited access to energy, hindering economic growth, reducing quality of life, and potentially exacerbating poverty. Moreover, a heavy reliance on fossil fuels can contribute to climate change and air pollution, which can have further detrimental effects on health and the environment.

Suggestions

To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Benin can look towards successful examples from countries around the world. For instance, China has made significant strides in wind and solar power, generating 1003 TWh and 710 TWh respectively. This indicates the vast potential solar and wind energies have, even in rapidly growing economies. Although Benin may not have the same scale of resources as China, investing in solar and wind infrastructure offers a viable path toward sustainable electricity development. Brazil, a fellow developing nation, has embraced wind energy successfully, generating 102 TWh, and this could serve as an inspiring model for Benin. Additionally, amplifying nuclear energy should be considered, as it has proven to be a dependable source in various countries such as France, the United States, and South Korea.

History

Looking historically at Benin's low-carbon electricity generation from data provided, we see a pattern of inactivity, especially with hydroelectric power, from 1997 to 2004, and later for biofuels from 2006 to 2010. Despite some solar efforts in 2015, 2019, and 2021, no measurable increase occurred, indicating missed opportunities for developing clean energy. The lack of substantial investments or developments in low-carbon electricity sources has meant that Benin remained heavily reliant on fossil fuels through the years. This stagnation highlights an urgent need for adopting best practices and lessons from other countries to transition into a robust, sustainable, and resilient electricity system that minimizes environmental impacts and secures energy for future generations.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources