The Central African Republic (CAR) currently experiences very low levels of electricity consumption. In 2022, electricity use was just 27 kWh per person, a stark contrast to the global average of 3662 kWh per person. Almost all of this electricity generation comes from low-carbon sources. Unlike many parts of the world where a mix of energy sources—including fossil fuels—propels the grid, CAR predominantly relies on low-carbon options like hydropower, which is inherently more sustainable. However, this limited electricity availability can impede economic growth, education, and healthcare delivery. Low electricity levels often result in reliance on more polluting energy alternatives, contributing to environmental degradation and health issues. A lack of sufficient electricity infrastructure could also make it difficult for CAR to participate in the global move towards digital technologies.
Data sources used on this page include EIA and Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Central African Republic?
Unfortunately, electricity consumption in the Central African Republic is not on the rise; rather, it has declined. The latest figures from 2022 show a decrease in electricity use compared to the record year of 2011, when consumption was 39 kWh per person—a reduction of 12 kWh per person. The situation is mirrored in low-carbon electricity generation, which fell by 9 kWh per person since its peak in 2014, when it reached 37 kWh per person. This dip in both overall and low-carbon electricity reflects a significant setback to CAR’s energy sector, suggesting stagnation that needs urgent action for reversal. Efforts should be concentrated on not just reversing the decline but fostering substantial growth to meet future demands.
Suggestions
CAR could turn the situation around by learning from successful regions worldwide, embracing both solar and nuclear energy. The People's Republic of China, for example, has harnessed solar power to generate a substantial 1170 TWh of electricity, while their wind energy contributes a similar amount. Similarly, Brazil has become a leader in wind energy generation, producing 113 TWh. These examples highlight regions that have effectively leveraged clean technologies to their advantage. For nuclear power, countries like France, with their 373 TWh from nuclear generation, demonstrate feasible pathways for generating substantial low-carbon electricity. CAR should focus on investing in solar and nuclear power, leveraging global expertise to build a sustainable and robust electricity system that can meet evolving needs.
History
Historically, the Central African Republic has relied on hydropower for its low-carbon electricity generation. Since the early 2000s, the only noted increase in hydropower generation was a slight boost of 0.1 TWh in 2000. However, there have been no further increments, as the generation stagnated at zero growth from 2001 through 2018 and into 2022. Such stagnation in the sector is concerning, pointing to a lack of development and investment. It is crucial for the CAR to adopt more diverse clean energy sources, such as solar and nuclear, as they offer scalable and environmentally sustainable solutions. CAR's energy sector needs vital reform and expansion to create a more reliable and plentiful electricity supply.
