In 2023, electricity consumption patterns in Congo - Brazzaville reveal a significant reliance on fossil fuels with almost 80 percent of electricity generated from fossil sources, predominantly gas, which alone accounts for nearly three-quarters of the total electricity consumption. Meanwhile, low-carbon, clean electricity contributes about a fifth of the overall electricity generation, with hydropower being the sole low-carbon source, making up around 20 percent of the total. This indicates a clear division, with the vast majority of electricity derived from fossil fuels and a relatively modest contribution from clean energy sources. To transition towards more sustainable electricity systems, reducing the fossil fuel dependency and increasing the low-carbon generation is crucial.
Is Electricity Growing in Congo - Brazzaville?
In terms of growth, the electricity consumption per person in Congo - Brazzaville has shown positive momentum, reaching 836 kWh in 2023, up from the previous year's record of 815 kWh per person. This represents an increase of 21 kWh per person, marking progress in electricity access and usage. However, there is a concern regarding the low-carbon electricity generation per person, which has decreased to 173 kWh from its peak of 226 kWh in 2018, showing a decline of 53 kWh. While overall electricity is on the rise, the downturn in clean energy is disappointing and highlights the need for targeted growth in the low-carbon sector to ensure future sustainability and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Suggestions
For Congo - Brazzaville to enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, taking cues from countries with successful clean energy deployment would be valuable. Regions like Lebanon and Somalia have shown notable shares of solar power at around 31 percent and 17 percent respectively, suggesting solar's potential even in varied geographies. Expanding solar installations in Congo - Brazzaville can leverage its abundant sunlight to increase clean electricity generation. Additionally, adopting nuclear energy, as demonstrated by France's impressive 69 percent generation from nuclear, can significantly bolster the clean electricity share. Considering both solar and nuclear energy as strategic pillars will be instrumental in creating a more diversified and sustainable electricity mix for the country.
History
Looking back at the history of low-carbon electricity in Congo - Brazzaville, the country has seen periods of fluctuating hydropower contributions. In the early 1980s through to the late 1990s, hydropower generation experienced gradual increases interspersed with some declines, showcasing an unstable trajectory. The 2000s saw varied annual changes, until 2011 when a significant boost occurred with a jump of 0.4 TWh. Subsequently, modest gains marked the subsequent years, though 2019 witnessed a decline of 0.2 TWh. While hydropower has been the cornerstone of the country's low-carbon electricity efforts, strengthening other clean energy sources, notably solar and nuclear, remains essential to ensure a stable and growing contribution of sustainable electricity in the future.