The Central African Republic (CAR) has a notably low level of electricity consumption compared to the global average. In 2022, electricity consumption in CAR was measured at just 27 kWh per person, a figure that is far below the global average of 3781 kWh/person. Almost all of this electricity comes from low-carbon sources, specifically hydropower, as their fossil fuel contribution is virtually non-existent. Without a diverse energy mix that includes significant contributions from clean, low-carbon sources like solar and nuclear, the country is struggling to meet its energy needs. This low level of electricity generation has profound effects, including limiting economic development and impacting the quality of life, as lack of reliable electricity severely hampers industrial activity, healthcare capabilities, and educational opportunities.
Is Electricity Growing in Central African Republic?
In terms of growth, the electricity generation in CAR appears to be on a declining trend. The peak electricity consumption was recorded in 2011 at 39 kWh/person, but by 2022, this had decreased to 27 kWh/person, indicating a reduction of approximately 12 kWh/person from the historic high. The generation of low-carbon electricity, primarily from hydropower, also echoes this troubling trend. From a high of 37 kWh/person in 2014, it too dropped to 27 kWh/person in 2022. These declines suggest that CAR needs substantial investment and strategic initiatives to reverse the downward trajectory and to increase the reliability and availability of its electricity supply. This stagnation and decline are concerning, especially as the demand for electricity is expected to grow in the coming years.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, CAR could look toward other countries' successes with solar and nuclear energy. For instance, India has excelled in harnessing solar power, generating 154 TWh, and China, with its extensive investment, produces substantial amounts of wind and solar energy, achieving 1122 TWh and 1025 TWh respectively. CAR could also explore nuclear energy as a sustainable solution, taking cues from countries like France and the United States, which generate large amounts of nuclear power—363 TWh and 778 TWh, respectively. By tapping into solar and possibly integrating nuclear energy, CAR can develop a cleaner, more robust, and sustainable energy infrastructure to better meet the future energy demands while mitigating the environmental impacts of fossil fuels.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in the Central African Republic tells a story of missed potential and stagnation. In the early 2000s, electricity generation from hydro saw a slight uptick of 0.1 TWh but remained stagnant thereafter, with no additional growth recorded from 2001 to 2022. This stagnation is concerning given the pressing need for increased electricity generation to fuel development and improve living conditions. Hydro was the primary source of clean electricity for over two decades, yet without innovation or diversification into other low-carbon sources like solar and nuclear, the CAR remains heavily reliant on a single energy type. The lack of progress points to the urgent need for policy interventions, investments, and international collaborations to build a more diversified and resilient electricity sector.