As of 2022, the state of electricity consumption in Comoros is characterized by very low levels of generation and consumption. Electricity consumption in Comoros averages around 30 watts per person, which is significantly lower than the global average of 432 watts per person. Almost all of the electricity is generated from fossil fuels, while clean, low-carbon energy sources like wind, solar, and nuclear power are virtually non-existent. This reliance on fossil fuels not only contributes to global warming and air quality issues but also leaves the country vulnerable to fluctuations in oil prices. The low levels of electricity generation severely limit economic development and access to modern amenities, impacting everything from healthcare to education.
To address these challenges, Comoros can take inspiration from countries that have successfully increased their low-carbon electricity generation. For instance, India has made significant strides in both wind and solar energy, generating 82 TWh and 113 TWh, respectively. India’s achievements offer a model for harnessing abundant sunlight and wind, similar to the conditions in Comoros. Furthermore, in terms of nuclear energy, South Korea and Brazil demonstrate that even regions with smaller economies can build and sustain nuclear power programs, producing 180 TWh and 15 TWh from nuclear energy, respectively. By focusing on these three clean energy sources, Comoros can make strides toward a sustainable and reliable energy future while decreasing its dependence on fossil fuels.
The history of low-carbon electricity in Comoros has been marked by negligible development, with no significant additions to wind, solar, or nuclear power capacity over the years. This stagnation contrasts sharply with global trends where many countries, large and small, have made substantial investments in low-carbon electricity. In the past decades, Comoros has not registered any meaningful progress in switching to cleaner energy sources. This lack of development calls for urgent action to adopt effective strategies learned from other countries, leveraging both international support and local initiatives to kickstart the transition to a greener, more sustainable energy portfolio. This transition is essential not only for economic growth but also for environmental stewardship and public health.