Electricity in Congo - Brazzaville in 2022

In 2022, the electricity consumption in Congo - Brazzaville leaned heavily on fossil fuels, accounting for more than three-quarters of the total. Gas was the primary fossil fuel used, making up almost three-quarters of the total electricity consumption. On the other hand, low-carbon or clean energy sources were responsible for about a quarter of the electricity generated, with hydropower being the sole contributor to this category. This reliance on fossil fuels highlights a significant opportunity for the country to transition towards more sustainable energy sources, thereby reducing its carbon footprint and minimizing its contribution to global climate change and local air pollution.

Suggestions

To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Congo - Brazzaville can draw inspiration from countries that have successfully integrated substantial portions of low-carbon energy into their electricity mix. For instance, Uruguay illustrates how wind energy can account for more than 30% of a nation's electricity generation. This model could be particularly insightful for Congo - Brazzaville due to similar geographic potentials. Additionally, countries like Slovakia and France demonstrate how nuclear power contributes significantly to low-carbon electricity. By investing in both wind and solar technologies, along with exploring nuclear capabilities, Congo - Brazzaville can diversify its low-carbon electricity portfolio, creating a more resilient and sustainable energy system.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Congo - Brazzaville has primarily revolved around hydropower. In the early 1980s, there were small but consistent annual increases in hydroelectric power generation, with increments of around 0.1 TWh. However, the 1990s saw more fluctuations, including some years of decline such as in 1993 and 1999. Moving into the 2000s and early 2010s, there was a moderate revival with more notable gains around 2011 and 2012. The years following have shown a mixed pattern of minor increases and decreases, such as the notable decline in 2019. This historical context indicates that while hydroelectric power has been a steady source of low-carbon energy, more robust and varied low-carbon energy strategies will be crucial for future energy security and sustainability.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources