In 2023, electricity consumption in Burkina Faso demonstrates a clear reliance on fossil fuels and net imports. The data indicates that net imports account for approximately 1.58 TWh of consumption, with fossil fuels contributing about 1.43 TWh. Comparatively, low-carbon energy sources contribute close to none of the overall energy profile. When examining electricity usage per person, the country consumes 144 kWh/person, which is significantly lower than the global average of 3,412 kWh/person. This disparity suggests potential challenges such as constrained economic growth, hindered social development, and limited access to modern conveniences due to insufficient electricity availability. A robust push towards increasing electricity generation is crucial, particularly in sustainable and low-carbon forms to uplift national development.

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

Is Electricity Growing in Burkina Faso?

The trajectory of electricity consumption in Burkina Faso, unfortunately, shows a negative trend. The current per capita consumption of 144 kWh/person is a slight decrease from the previous record of 147 kWh/person in 2021, marking a reduction of 3 kWh/person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has also dipped, from 14 kWh/person in 2021 to only 13 kWh/person in 2023. This decrease is cause for concern, as it reflects a slide backward when progress in clean energy generation is essential. Given the global advancements in clean energy and the urgent demand for greener solutions, Burkina Faso ideally should aim for growth in both total and low-carbon electricity consumption to improve energy security and sustainability.

Suggestions

To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Burkina Faso can draw lessons from successful regions. Countries like India and the People's Republic of China have set benchmarks in solar energy generation with 166 TWh and 1170 TWh, respectively, while nations such as Brazil and Germany highlight accomplishments in wind energy with 113 TWh and 133 TWh respectively. These examples underline the potential of solar and wind energy as robust, sustainable resources. Moreover, countries like France and the United States demonstrate the efficacy of nuclear energy in achieving substantial low-carbon electricity generation. By investing in the development of solar and nuclear infrastructure, Burkina Faso can increase its low-carbon electricity production, ushering in a future of energy independence and environmental stewardship.

History

The historical record of low-carbon electricity generation in Burkina Faso reveals modest beginnings and steady, albeit limited, growth. In 1996, hydroelectricity saw its first gradual increase, with another small rise in 1999. From 2001 to 2011, the country saw no changes, reflecting a stagnant period for clean energy advancement. A subtle uptick occurred again in 2016. The years leading up to 2018 saw the introduction of solar energy and biofuels with minor contributions of 0.1 TWh each. This pattern indicates a consistent but slow approach to incorporating low-carbon sources into the national grid. With this gentle progression, it is more important than ever for Burkina Faso to adopt proactive investment strategies and policy frameworks that support the scaling of low-carbon technologies like solar and nuclear to meet future energy demands and international sustainability targets.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade