Electricity in Burundi in 2022

In 2022, electricity consumption in Burundi is modest compared to the global average. The average electricity generation per person in Burundi is significantly lower than the global average of 3,638 watts per person. In Burundi, almost all electricity comes from hydro, a clean energy source, with fossil fuels playing virtually no role in the energy mix. The country’s reliance on low-carbon sources like hydro helps limit emissions but results in low electricity access for the population. This limited electricity generation can lead to challenges such as restricted economic growth, inadequate healthcare facilities, and limited educational opportunities as energy shortages impede operation hours and access to technology.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Burundi could learn from countries that have successfully expanded wind and solar power. Nations like Brazil and India have made significant strides in wind energy, generating over 100 TWh and 90 TWh respectively, by investing in infrastructure and favorable policy frameworks. Similarly, solar power has seen impressive growth in countries like India and Vietnam, displaying substantial development in harnessing solar energy. Burundi can focus on expanding both solar and wind capabilities, utilizing its geographical advantages to boost clean energy production. Nuclear energy might also be considered for sustained, reliable power, as demonstrated by countries such as France and Canada, where nuclear accounts for a substantial portion of their low-carbon electricity generation.

History

Looking back at the history of low-carbon electricity in Burundi, the country has predominantly relied on hydroelectric power for decades. From 1991 to the early 2000s and again from 2007, hydroelectric production maintained a steady level, indicating stability but little growth in capacity over many years. It was not until 2019 that a slight increase of 0.1 TWh was recorded, marking the first instance of growth in hydroelectric output. Despite solar energy being introduced in 2016, no significant changes have occurred in solar electricity generation. Burundi’s journey toward enhancing its low-carbon electricity mix is still in its nascent stages but holds promise for sustainable development if strategic investments are made into diversifying energy sources to include solar, wind, and potentially nuclear energy.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources