Currently, electricity consumption in Côte d’Ivoire stands at an intriguing point. The country generates a total of about 11 TWh of electricity, with more than two-thirds (approximately 8 TWh) coming from fossil fuels mainly dominated by gas, and roughly a third (about 3.5 TWh) from low-carbon hydropower sources. Globally, the average electricity consumption is around 3781 kWh/person, while in Côte d’Ivoire, it is only 357 kWh/person, a fraction of the global average. This indicates a significant gap, as the low levels of electricity generation could hinder economic opportunities, social development, and access to modern amenities for many Ivorians. Moreover, the continued reliance on fossil fuels not only raises concerns about energy security but also contributes to climate change and air pollution, making it vital for the country to explore clean energy options.
Is Electricity Growing in Côte d’Ivoire?
Examining the trends, Côte d’Ivoire shows a concerning decline in electricity consumption. The latest per person consumption is 357 kWh, a decrease from the 415 kWh/person reported in the previous year. This drop suggests a reduction of 58 kWh per person since the 2022 record, indicating either reduced generation or increased population without parallel growth in generation. Similarly, there is a worrying decrease in low-carbon electricity, where the latest figures show only 111 kWh/person as compared to 199 kWh/person in 1981, marking a decline of 88 kWh. Such reduction reflects not only a missed opportunity in sustaining clean energy growth but also highlights the urgent need for actionable strategies to reverse this trend.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Côte d’Ivoire can draw inspiration from several regions around the world. Countries like the United States and the People's Republic of China have effectively harnessed the potential of nuclear and solar energy to produce substantial low-carbon electricity. China’s 1122 TWh of wind and 1025 TWh of solar power, alongside the United States with 778 TWh from nuclear and 356 TWh from solar, are prime examples of successful large-scale clean energy production. While nuclear energy offers a consistent and sizable power output, solar energy provides a scalable and environmentally friendly solution particularly suitable for Côte d’Ivoire’s sunny climate. Emulating these strategies through investments in solar farms and exploring nuclear options can significantly bolster Côte d’Ivoire’s clean electricity capabilities, aiding in sustaining long-term energy security and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
History
In terms of historical development, the journey of low-carbon electricity in Côte d’Ivoire reveals both progress and setbacks. During the early 1980s, hydropower experienced notable fluctuations with positive developments in 1981, yet followed by declines in 1983 and 1984. Again, from the late 1980s to the 1990s, the pattern of alternating growth and reduction persisted, with years like 1985 and 1995 showcasing growth, while others like 1992 and 1998 saw regressions. In recent years, although there were slight positive increments in 2007, 2009, and 2014, substantial declines, notably in 2021, halted consistent momentum. While it's heartening to note some recovery in 2022, for sustained and meaningful progress, it is critical to stabilize this trajectory by investing in consistent maintenance and expansion of hydro infrastructure, while strongly focusing on integrating robust nuclear and solar energy systems.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.