Electricity in Cameroon in 2022

In 2022, Cameroon's electricity consumption was characterized by over half of its electricity being generated from low-carbon sources, particularly hydropower, which provided 5 TWh of electricity. The total contribution of low-carbon energy amounted to around 5.06 TWh when including other cleaner forms. On the other hand, fossil fuels such as gas produced around 3.06 TWh, making up nearly a third of the total electricity consumption. With a population of approximately 28 million people, Cameroon's per capita electricity consumption is far below the global average of 3,606 watts per person. Such a low level of electricity generation can hinder economic development and reduce the quality of life by limiting access to reliable and affordable energy. Moreover, dependence on fossil fuels contributes to climate change and air pollution, emphasizing the need for an increased focus on low-carbon energy.

Suggestions

To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Cameroon can take cues from successful strategies in other countries. Unlike Cameroon, countries like Brazil have harnessed their wind resources effectively, generating about 97 TWh of electricity from wind. Similarly, India's utilization of solar energy indicates its potential in tropical regions, with generation figures around 125 TWh. These examples show that by exploring its wind and solar potential, Cameroon can diversify its low-carbon electricity sources beyond hydropower. Investing in nuclear energy is also an excellent pathway, as demonstrated by France's 350 TWh of electricity from nuclear plants, underlining the reliability and efficiency of nuclear technology.

History

Looking at the historical data on Cameroon's low-carbon electricity generation, hydropower has been a central focus since the early 1980s, with modest increments each year, such as a 0.4 TWh increase in 1981. However, the 2000s and early 2010s witnessed fluctuations, with occasional declines, notably a dip in 2002 by 0.3 TWh and another in 2021 by 0.4 TWh. The use of biofuels saw a significant one-time increase in 2006 but was followed by an equal decline in 2007, indicating volatility in this area. In recent years, particularly in 2017 and 2019, hydropower saw considerable boosts, highlighting a continued path toward strengthening this segment of low-carbon electricity generation. This history points toward hydropower’s centrality in Cameroon's energy strategy, albeit with the opportunity to broaden into wind, solar, and nuclear technologies going forward.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources