In 2023, Congo - Brazzaville's electricity consumption predominantly relies on fossil fuels. A significant portion, more than three-quarters, of the country’s electricity is generated from fossil sources, with gas alone accounting for almost three-quarters of the supply. Meanwhile, low-carbon electricity makes up a little over a fifth of the total consumption, primarily driven by hydropower, which comprises nearly all the low-carbon segment. This indicates a significant reliance on fossil fuels, with sustainable sources playing a much smaller role. The overwhelming dominance of gas in the electricity mix emphasizes the urgent need to diversify energy sources and increase the share of clean electricity to mitigate the impacts of climate change and air pollution associated with fossil-based electricity.
Is Electricity Growing in Congo - Brazzaville?
When examining the growth of electricity consumption in Congo - Brazzaville, data shows a moderate upward trend. The total electricity consumption has risen to 836 kWh per person in 2023, which is an increase of 21 kWh per person compared to 2022. This is a positive sign that electricity availability is on the rise, potentially supporting socio-economic development. However, the scenario is less optimistic for low-carbon electricity. The low-carbon electricity generation has dropped to 173 kWh per person, down from a peak of 226 kWh per person in 2018, showing a decline of 53 kWh per person. This decrease in the share of clean electricity is concerning and suggests that recent expansions in energy capacity have disproportionately favored fossil energy sources.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Congo - Brazzaville could consider learning from regions with successful clean energy strategies. Countries like France and Slovakia have achieved substantial electricity production from nuclear energy, demonstrating its potential as a consistent and robust green solution. Similarly, states like Iowa and South Dakota have harnessed the power of wind to cover more than half of their electricity demand cleanly. Moreover, solar energy, as seen in Lebanon and Chile, provides a scalable and relatively quick-to-deploy option for increasing clean energy production. Strategic investments in nuclear and solar infrastructure could significantly diversify and enhance the sustainability of Congo - Brazzaville’s electricity mix, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and aligning with global trends towards cleaner energy systems.
History
Delving into the historical context of low-carbon electricity in Congo - Brazzaville, hydropower has experienced a fluctuating trajectory. Throughout the 1980s, there was a gradual increase marked by small, consistent growth of 0.1 TWh in the early years. However, the 1990s experienced a mixed pattern with slight declines, particularly notable in 1992 and 1998. A recovery period ensued in the early 2000s, with a significant uplift in 2011, recording a 0.4 TWh increase. This was followed by further incremental gains, though the momentum was not sustained in the later years, with a decline in 2019. While hydropower provided a foundation for clean electricity, the inconsistency over the decades underscores the necessity for diversifying low-carbon contributions to ensure steady and sustainable electricity growth in the country.