Burundi's current state of electricity consumption is characterized by very low levels, especially when compared to the global average. The total electricity use stands at just 36 kWh per person, which is close to none when considering the global average of approximately 3771 kWh per person. This disparity highlights significant challenges for development, as electricity is crucial for improving quality of life and supporting economic growth. Regarding energy source composition, just over half of Burundi's electricity comes from low-carbon sources like hydroelectric power, with almost none coming from fossil fuels. The reliance on low-carbon sources is positive from an environmental perspective, but the overall generation capacity remains critically low, potentially limiting industrial development and the expansion of modern infrastructure.

Is Electricity Growing in Burundi?

In terms of growth, there is concerning stagnation in Burundi's electricity consumption. The current consumption of 36 kWh per person has experienced a slight decline from the peak of 40 kWh per person in 2019. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has decreased by approximately 2 kWh per person from a previous record of 22 kWh per person in 2020. This decline is disappointing as it indicates a setback in progress towards meeting the energy needs of the population sustainably. There appears to be a pressing need for strategic interventions to reverse this downward trend and promote steady growth in electricity consumption, especially from clean energy sources.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Burundi can look to successful regions where solar and nuclear energies play significant roles. Solar energy, for instance, is massively produced in countries like China (1213 TWh) and India (182 TWh), and these cases highlight the immense potential solar could have in countries with ample sunlight. Additionally, nuclear power is a major component of clean energy in the United States (785 TWh) and France (379 TWh), and it remains a highly reliable and efficient energy source. Burundi should focus on developing these two types of energy sources. Implementing solar farms can efficiently harness the abundant sunlight, while small modular nuclear reactors can offer sustainable base-load power with low environmental impact. By pursuing these paths, Burundi can drive substantial growth in clean electricity generation, fostering development and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

History

Historically, Burundi's low-carbon electricity generation has shown little change, especially from the 1990s to the 2020s, with hydroelectricity remaining stagnant during this period. For two decades, from 1991 through 2011, hydroelectricity production saw no growth, nor did biofuels in 2011. Solar energy's introduction in 2016 also did not lead to any significant change in generation. These trends are concerning as they reflect missed opportunities for transitioning towards more sustainable energy solutions. Without greater commitment to expanding clean energy infrastructure, this pattern of stagnation threatens to persist, potentially leaving Burundi further behind in both economic and infrastructural development in the coming decades.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade