In 2023, the state of electricity consumption in Congo-Brazzaville sees a large dependence on fossil fuels, which make up roughly 79% of the electricity mix, with natural gas being the dominant source at nearly 74%. Despite this reliance on fossil fuels, Congo-Brazzaville is making strides towards cleaner energy, with hydropower constituting around 20% of its electricity. This low-carbon source offers a vital foundation for diversifying the energy mix and reducing emissions, but the current proportions highlight significant room for improvement in transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
Is Electricity Growing in Congo - Brazzaville?
Electricity consumption in Congo-Brazzaville is experiencing a slight growth, with the latest figures showing an increase to 836 kWh per person from the previous record of 815 kWh per person in 2022. This rise indicates a positive but modest trend towards increased electricity usage. However, the low-carbon electricity generation has seen a decrease since its peak in 2018, with current levels at 173 kWh per person, down by 53 from the 2018 record. This reduction in clean energy generation is concerning and underscores the need for renewed focus on strengthening and expanding low-carbon energy contributions to meet both current and future electricity needs.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Congo-Brazzaville can take valuable lessons from other regions. France and Slovakia successfully leverage nuclear power, contributing over 60% of their electricity; this strategy can be pivotal for Congo-Brazzaville. Additionally, wind and solar energy examples such as Iowa's 62% wind-based electricity generation and Lebanon's 31% solar power offer insights into diversifying clean energy sources. By investing in and expanding solar and nuclear energy, alongside existing hydropower capabilities, Congo-Brazzaville can substantially reduce its dependency on fossil fuels and significantly increase its clean electricity share.
History
Reflecting on the history of low-carbon electricity in Congo-Brazzaville, hydropower has been central to its clean energy development. In the early 1980s and 1990s, hydroelectric generation consistently showed modest growth, typically increasing by about 0.1 TWh annually, though there were occasional setbacks, such as declines in 1992 and 1993, and again in 1998 and 1999. The new millennium brought varying trends, with noteworthy increases in 2010 and 2011 as well as in 2012, marking revitalization periods. However, production declined in 2019, highlighting the need for sustained investment and focus on expanding diverse low-carbon energy sources to ensure a more stable and resilient energy future.