Electricity in Chad in 2022
Chad's electricity consumption in 2022 stood at just 21 kWh per person, which is close to none when compared to the global average of 3736 kWh per person. This meager level of electricity consumption in Chad is largely dominated by fossil fuels, with low-carbon sources contributing virtually none. This significant gap in electricity usage highlights the potential challenges Chad might face in achieving economic growth and improving quality of life. Limited electricity can hamper industrial development, negatively affect social services such as healthcare and education, and slow down digital transformation. Without urgent progress, Chad risks being left further behind in the global push toward modernization and sustainable development.
Data sources used on this page include Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Chad?
The situation appears to be worsening rather than improving, as Chad experienced a decline in per capita electricity consumption, dropping from a historic high of 24 kWh in 2021 to 21 kWh in 2022. Low-carbon electricity generation has stagnated, with figures unchanged since the peak, which was achieved back in 2016 for low-carbon sources. This stagnation is alarming as it indicates that no real progress is being made in transitioning to cleaner energy sources. The persistence of such low outputs suggests systemic challenges to increasing generation capacity that must be urgently addressed if Chad is to develop sustainably and meet future energy demands.
Suggestions
To increase its clean energy generation, Chad can look to several global regions as examples. Countries like China have demonstrated the potential of harnessing solar and wind energy to generate substantial amounts of electricity, with both sectors producing more than 1000 TWh each. Solar energy projects akin to those in India and Japan could also offer a viable path for Chad, as these countries generate significant solar power under similar geographical conditions. Additionally, the inclusion of nuclear energy as part of Chad’s electricity generation strategy could provide a steady and reliable source of clean energy; countries like the United States and France have proven the viability of large-scale nuclear power. By investing in these green solutions, Chad can increase its electricity availability and improve the lives of its citizens while keeping an eye on environmental impacts.
History
Historically, Chad’s low-carbon electricity journey has been marked by consistent inaction. Since 2012, even variations in low-carbon sources such as wind and biofuels have seen no growth, with zero changes in electricity generation being recorded each year up to 2022. This absence of progress is worrying as it represents a decade where sustainable energy investments and development have been largely stagnant, causing concern about the missed opportunities in building a resilient and clean energy infrastructure. For Chad to break this cycle of stagnation, a strategic focus on solar and nuclear energy investments is imperative, as these would provide not only sustainable development but also a pathway toward energy independence and economic growth.
