In 2023, almost four-fifths of electricity consumed in Congo-Brazzaville came from fossil fuels, with gas alone supplying nearly three-quarters of the total. Low-carbon electricity accounted for about one-fifth, almost entirely from hydropower, which supplied around 20%. Other clean electricity sources contributed close to none. This fossil-heavy electricity mix leaves considerable room to expand clean generation and reduce the climate impacts and air pollution associated with fossil fuels.

Is Electricity Growing in Congo - Brazzaville?

Electricity consumption per person is growing, although only modestly. In 2023, it reached a new record of 836 kWh per person, up 21 kWh, or roughly 3%, from the previous record of 815 kWh in 2022. However, low-carbon electricity generation stood at just 173 kWh per person—53 kWh, or about 23%, below its 2018 record of 226 kWh. The increase in overall electricity consumption is encouraging, but the shortfall in clean generation is concerning: stronger low-carbon growth is needed to support wider electricity access, electrification and future demand, including from AI.

Suggestions

Congo-Brazzaville should prioritize expanding solar electricity alongside its existing hydropower and consider nuclear electricity as part of its long-term development strategy. Neighboring Congo-Kinshasa, where solar supplies about 13% of electricity, offers a particularly relevant regional reference; Namibia, at about 11%, provides another African example. Pakistan demonstrates how solar and nuclear can both contribute, supplying roughly 24% and 13% of its electricity respectively. For a larger nuclear contribution, France generates around two-thirds of its electricity from nuclear power. These examples offer useful directions rather than identical blueprints: Congo-Brazzaville can develop solar projects, strengthen its grid and build the institutions, skills and international partnerships needed to evaluate and pursue nuclear generation.

History

The supplied history of low-carbon electricity is entirely about hydropower, with growth occurring in uneven steps. During the 1980s, four recorded increases each added 0.1 TWh, followed by another increase of that size in 1990. The rest of the 1990s brought several declines, including a 0.2 TWh fall in 1999, interrupted by a small recovery in 1996. Generation rebounded by 0.2 TWh in 2000, with smaller gains and setbacks thereafter and no change in 2009. The strongest expansion came in 2010–2012, when annual increases totaled 0.7 TWh, including a substantial 0.4 TWh gain in 2011. Further modest gains in 2015 and 2017 were followed by a disappointing 0.2 TWh decline in 2019, underscoring the need for sustained growth and a broader clean electricity mix.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade