In Cameroon, electricity consumption in 2023 presents a mixed picture. Low-carbon energy, primarily hydropower, is a dominant source, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the total electricity production, with a generation of about 5.32 TWh. On the other hand, fossil fuels, notably gas, contribute around 3.01 TWh. This demonstrates that Cameroon is significantly reliant on clean energy, with hydropower being the principal component. When compared to the global average electricity consumption of 3813 kWh per person, Cameroon drastically lags behind, with only 296 kWh per person. Such low electricity generation might hinder economic growth, limit industrial development, and reduce the living standards for its population, urging the necessity to boost production to accommodate expanding electrification needs.
Is Electricity Growing in Cameroon?
The trend of electricity consumption in Cameroon indicates a decline rather than growth. The latest figure of 296 kWh per person shows a significant decrease from the historical high of 351 kWh per person in 2015. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has also decreased to 188 kWh per person from its peak of 256 kWh per person in 2006. This decline in both overall and low-carbon electricity generation is concerning, as it suggests either insufficient investment or challenges in scaling up energy infrastructure. If this trend continues, Cameroon may face mounting pressures on its electricity supply, exacerbating energy access issues and hindering the potential benefits of low-carbon industrialization and improved quality of life for its citizens.
Suggestions
To reverse this trend, Cameroon could benefit significantly by learning from countries that have excelled in harnessing low-carbon energy sources. For instance, China has made remarkable progress in solar and wind energy, generating 834 TWh and 992 TWh, respectively. Similar climatic conditions make solar energy particularly promising for Cameroon, allowing it to rapidly scale up its solar electricity generation. Additionally, nuclear energy has been a cornerstone in countries like France, producing 379 TWh, showcasing its reliability and low-carbon footprint. By investing in nuclear and solar energy infrastructure, Cameroon could ensure a stable and sustainable increase in electricity generation, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating the negative impacts of climate change.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Cameroon highlights periods of both growth and stagnation, predominantly centered around hydropower. Starting in the early 1980s, there was consistent albeit modest growth with sporadic ups and downs, such as the 0.4 TWh increase in 2004 and a noteworthy 0.7 TWh rise in 2017. An introduction of biofuels in 2006 provided a brief boost before a subsequent decline in the following year. This historical data reflects efforts to enhance electricity generation but also underscores a lack of sustained momentum and diversification into other low-carbon sources like solar and nuclear. It is crucial for Cameroon to build on past achievements and strategically expand its electricity generation capabilities to meet future demands and drive clean energy progress.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.