In 2022, Chad’s electricity consumption was just 21 kWh per person, compared with a global average of 3,794 kWh per person—roughly 180 times higher. Low-carbon electricity generation amounted to only about 1 kWh per person, indicating a very small clean electricity contribution alongside a predominantly fossil-based supply. Such extremely low electricity availability can constrain healthcare, education, refrigeration, water pumping and business activity. Expanding electricity access and clean generation is therefore essential for improving living standards and supporting economic development.

Is Electricity Growing in Chad?

Electricity consumption in Chad is not currently growing: the 2022 figure of 21 kWh per person was down 3 kWh, or about 13%, from the previous record of 24 kWh in 2021. Low-carbon electricity generation also showed no progress against its earlier peak: at the reported precision, it remained at 1 kWh per person, matching the record reached in 2016. This combination of falling electricity consumption per person and stagnant clean generation is concerning, particularly as electrification and future digital services will require substantially more electricity.

Suggestions

Chad can prioritize solar power, combining village mini-grids and rooftop systems with larger projects, storage and expanded electricity networks. Relevant examples include South Africa, which generated 20 TWh of solar electricity, and sunny, dry regions such as the United Arab Emirates and the US state of Arizona, with about 14 and 23 TWh respectively. These totals illustrate possibilities rather than directly transferable targets. Wind projects could complement solar where local measurements identify suitable sites; South Africa’s 12 TWh of wind electricity offers another useful regional reference. Chad should also consider nuclear electricity within its long-term planning, building technical expertise, regulatory institutions and international partnerships. South Africa’s 12 TWh of nuclear generation and the United Arab Emirates’ 32 TWh demonstrate how nuclear can provide substantial clean electricity alongside solar.

History

The reported history shows little measurable change in Chad’s low-carbon electricity generation. From 2012 through 2015, biofuels recorded no annual increase at the supplied precision. From 2016 through 2022, both wind and biofuels likewise recorded zero annual changes. These figures describe changes, not generation totals, so they do not establish that either source produced no electricity. Nevertheless, the absence of recorded growth across this period underscores the need for a stronger expansion of clean electricity, particularly solar and, over the longer term, consideration of nuclear.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade