Electricity in Burundi in 2022

As of 2022, Burundi's electricity consumption remains significantly low compared to global averages, with much of its power derived from low-carbon sources. The country relies predominantly on hydroelectric power, which, while representing almost all of its generated electricity, contributes to an overall per capita consumption that is close to none when compared to the global average of 3,638 watts per person. The negligible amount of energy consumption indicates that Burundians have limited access to electrical power, which can constrain economic development, restrict educational opportunities, and limit access to modern healthcare services. Moreover, the low levels of electricity generation in Burundi highlight the urgent need to enhance energy infrastructure to improve living standards and spur economic growth while maintaining environmental sustainability.

Suggestions

To boost its low-carbon electricity capacity, Burundi could look towards expanding its clean energy portfolio by investing in wind and solar technologies, alongside exploring the potential of nuclear energy. By observing countries with substantial investments in low-carbon energy, such as the People's Republic of China with its large-scale solar operations and robust wind farm installations, Burundi can gain insights into successfully integrating these technologies into their energy mix. Emulating Brazil's strategy, which includes a well-rounded approach to incorporating wind power, might be particularly beneficial due to similar geographic and climate conditions. Leveraging international collaboration and technical expertise from countries like India, which has made impressive strides into solar energy development, can further bolster Burundi's transition towards a more sustainable and reliable energy future.

History

Historically, Burundi's journey with low-carbon electricity has been somewhat static, particularly in the hydroelectric power sector. The data from 1991 to 2012 reflects a period where there was no notable increase in electricity generation from hydro power. A similar trend continued through the next few years until a slight increase of hydroelectric generation was recorded in 2019. Solar energy was introduced in 2016, hinting at the potential diversification of energy sources. Although the introduction of solar energy marked a step in the right direction, the overall progress in increasing low-carbon electricity has been incremental, emphasizing the need for more proactive policies and strategic investments in clean, green energy technologies to meet the growing demands of the 21st century.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources