Currently, electricity consumption in Burundi is quite low, with the 2023 consumption per person being only 36 kWh. More than half of this electricity consumption is derived from low-carbon sources, amounting to 20 kWh per person, while the rest is generated from fossil fuels. In contrast, the global average electricity consumption is significantly higher at 3649 kWh per person. The low levels of electricity generation in Burundi can have substantial impacts on economic development and quality of life. Limited access to electricity can hinder growth in various sectors such as healthcare, education, and industry, ultimately slowing down overall socio-economic progress. Furthermore, relying heavily on fossil energy exacerbates climate change and air pollution, underscoring the need for a transition to cleaner energy sources.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and Enerdata. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Burundi?
The journey of electricity growth in Burundi presents some concerning trends. In 2023, total electricity consumption saw a decrease, falling from a previous peak of 40 kWh per person in 2019. Similarly, low-carbon electricity production dropped slightly from its peak in 2020, when it was 22 kWh per person. This pattern of declining figures indicates a setback in the expansion of the electricity sector, particularly in sustainable, low-carbon energy. The negative changes speak to a stagnation or even regression in energy development, which is disappointing and calls for renewed focus on advancing the electricity sector, especially in low-carbon generation to meet future demands.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Burundi can look to initiatives from both countries and regions that have successfully increased their sustainable energy output. Although current solar and wind electricity generation in Burundi remains low, these energy sources have proven effective worldwide. For instance, countries like India have made significant strides in both solar (153 TWh) and wind power (102 TWh). Solar energy's scalability and decreasing costs make it an ideal solution for sunny regions like Burundi. Additionally, nuclear energy, which underpins much of the electricity generation in countries like France (371 TWh), is another potent option for reliable and large-scale low-carbon electricity. By drawing from these examples, Burundi could strategically invest in solar and nuclear technology to build a robust and clean energy future.
History
Historically, Burundi's low-carbon electricity sector has not seen much dynamism. From the early 1990s through to 2021, data indicates no change in electricity generation from hydropower or solar energy, marking a prolonged period of stagnation. The hydro sector remained unchanged almost consistently every year, underscoring a lack of development or expansion in low-carbon sources. In the face of urgent environmental concerns and the need for economic growth, this historical inactivity in expanding green energy is disappointing. It emphasizes the critical need for strategic initiatives to advance low-carbon energy generation, harnessing the potential of solar and possibly nuclear power to break this long-standing inertia and secure a sustainable future.
