Electricity in Chad in 2022
Chad's electricity consumption in 2022 paints a concerning picture. The average consumption stands at just 21 kWh per person, a stark contrast to the global average of 3,781 kWh. Virtually all of Chad’s electricity stems from fossil sources, with low-carbon or clean sources contributing almost nothing. Such meager electricity generation impacts the country’s economic development, healthcare, and education, limiting its potential for growth. Without affordable and clean electricity, the path toward industrialization and improved quality of life remains narrow, and its citizens continue to endure the adverse effects of fossil fuel-based pollution.
Is Electricity Growing in Chad?
Assessing the growth of electricity in Chad reveals a disheartening trend. In the latest year of 2022, Chad's total electricity consumption decreased to 21 kWh per person, from a prior record of 24 kWh in 2021. Notably, low-carbon electricity generation remains stagnant at a mere 1 kWh per person, unchanged since its previous record in 2016. These numbers indicate a worrying stagnation in Chad's progress toward increasing its electricity use, particularly in the realm of cleaner, more sustainable energy. With demand for electricity likely to grow due to global electrification and technological advancements such as AI, Chad faces a crucial juncture to revamp its energy strategy and embrace clean sources.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Chad can look to regions that have successfully harnessed solar and wind energy. The People’s Republic of China and India have made impressive strides in solar power, with the former generating as much as 834 TWh and the latter producing 134 TWh. These countries demonstrate the immense potential of solar energy, which could be particularly suitable for Chad given its abundant sunlight. For wind energy, places like Brazil and Texas have each harnessed over 100 TWh, illustrating another viable path for Chad. Moreover, embracing nuclear technology, which countries like France and the United States have successfully done, could provide Chad with a reliable, sustainable foundation for its electricity needs.
History
Looking at the history of low-carbon electricity in Chad, there has been a virtually uninterrupted stagnation in the past decade. Since 2012, there have been no significant changes in electricity generation from biofuels or wind. Each year from 2012 to 2022, these low-carbon sources have consistently contributed zero increase in electricity generation. This lack of progress highlights an urgent need for Chad to pursue the development of new low-carbon projects, such as solar and nuclear, to grow its electricity supply sustainably and decrease reliance on fossil sources. By capitalizing on its potential for solar installations and exploring nuclear options, Chad can pave the way for a more resilient and greener energy future.