Côte d'Ivoire's electricity consumption in 2023 reveals a striking dependence on fossil fuels, with about three-quarters of the country's electricity generated from fossil and gas sources, using nearly equal amounts (7.67 TWh fossil and 7.65 TWh gas, respectively). The remaining electricity comes from low-carbon sources, primarily hydropower, accounting for roughly 3.5 TWh. This suggests that while some low-carbon generation exists, it represents only about a third of all electricity production. Per person, electricity generation is just 357 kWh—a stark contrast to the global average of 3412 kWh/person. Such low electricity generation limits technological advancement and economic growth, potentially constraining development opportunities and the adoption of new, energy-intensive technologies like AI.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Côte d’Ivoire?
Examining the trends in electricity consumption, Côte d'Ivoire shows a backward step rather than progress. In the latest year, electricity usage decreased significantly, with a drop of 58 kWh/person from the previous year's record of 415 kWh/person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity per person has not reached the heights of the past from 1981, with numbers having decreased by 88 kWh/person since then. This decline is concerning, given the urgent global need for clean energy expansion to mitigate climate change and transform economies. The reduction in both overall and low-carbon electricity generation calls for an immediate focus on clean energy advancement.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Côte d'Ivoire can draw lessons from regions and countries that have successfully expanded their clean energy portfolios, like China with its vast solar and wind capacities, and the U.S. known for its strong nuclear and wind infrastructure. Solar and nuclear represent key solutions due to their scalability and potential for producing stable, abundant energy. With the proven success of solar energy in countries with similar climates and abundant sunlight, and the consistent efficiency of nuclear power, Côte d'Ivoire could significantly enhance its sustainable energy sources by investing in these technologies.
History
In considering the history of low-carbon electricity, hydropower has seen various fluctuations over the years in Côte d'Ivoire. During the early 1980s, there was a marked decline in hydropower generation, but recovery followed with periods of modest increases. The late 1990s to early 2000s were characterized by more consistent fluctuations, with smaller increments and setbacks. Most recently, in 2022, a slight surge illustrated a positive move in electricity generation. Despite the fluctuating history, there is a clear need for steadfast advancement in sustainable, clean energy sources which can be more reliable than the historical inconsistency observed with hydropower alone.
