Burkina Faso's electricity consumption in 2023 is distributed among various sources, with net imports amounting to about 1.6 TWh, fossil fuels contributing approximately 1.4 TWh, and low-carbon energy sources accounting for a smaller share. Clearly, a significant portion, more than half, of Burkina Faso's electricity relies on net imports and fossil fuels, which is concerning not only due to economic implications but also considering environmental challenges such as climate change and air pollution. The energy consumed per person is roughly 144 kWh, which is exceedingly low compared to the global average of 3,658 kWh/person. This disparity underscores potential restrictions on socioeconomic development and may limit progress in industries, education, and health services, all of which benefit from increased access to clean electricity.

Data sources used on this page include EIA and Ember. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Burkina Faso?

The trajectory of electricity growth in Burkina Faso, particularly from low-carbon sources, is currently stagnating or even facing a slight decline. The most recent data shows a drop from the 2021 historical record of 147 kWh/person to 144 kWh/person in 2023. Likewise, low-carbon electricity generation fell from 14 kWh/person in 2021 to 13 kWh/person in 2023. Such reductions, although seemingly small, suggest that Burkina Faso is not making the necessary strides toward increasing its clean electricity capacity. This stagnation is concerning given the global trend toward clean energy expansion, and it highlights the need for Burkina Faso to intensify its efforts in sectors like solar and nuclear to stabilize and then increase its low-carbon electricity share.

Suggestions

To boost its low-carbon electricity generation, Burkina Faso should look toward successful examples from other regions. Countries like China and the United States have significantly multiplied their solar and wind capacities, generating substantial amounts of electricity from these sources. China, with solar and wind generation of 1,170 TWh and 1,130 TWh, respectively, alongside the United States' nuclear capacity of 778 TWh, provides a roadmap for transitioning to clean energy. Additionally, nuclear power from places like France (371 TWh) and the United States (various states) offers a proven and scalable solution. Burkina Faso could learn from these countries and prioritize investment in both solar and nuclear energy, harnessing the abundant sunlight and exploring peaceful nuclear energy to ensure consistent, reliable, and sustainable electricity supply.

History

Historically, Burkina Faso's low-carbon electricity sector has seen modest increments but remains largely underutilized. The late 1990s witnessed minor increases in hydroelectric generation, with a small gain of 0.1 TWh seen in 1996 and 1999. However, the early 2000s to late 2010s were marked by prolonged stagnation, with no new growth in hydroelectricity after 2016 and minor diversification into solar and biofuels in 2018. Despite these efforts, there have been no significant advancements, particularly in recent years, contributing to a consistent and disappointing pattern of low-carbon electricity stagnation. It is clear that a strategic shift is crucial to break this cycle and make the necessary improvements towards a more sustainable energy model for the future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade