In 2023, electricity consumption in Congo-Brazzaville heavily relies on fossil fuels, with about 80% of its electricity generated from these sources. Natural gas alone makes up nearly three-quarters of this overall consumption. On the other hand, clean energy sources contribute around 21% to the electricity mix, which primarily comes from hydropower. This scenario indicates that while a portion of the electricity is generated from low-carbon sources, the majority is still coming from fossil fuels, signaling a significant opportunity for a cleaner energy transition.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Congo - Brazzaville?
There has been a slight growth in electricity consumption in Congo-Brazzaville with the latest numbers showing an increase from 815 kWh per person in 2022 to 836 kWh per person in 2023. This growth is promising for meeting future demands; however, the concerning aspect is the decline in low-carbon electricity generation, which has dropped from a record of 226 kWh per person in 2018 to 173 kWh per person in 2023. This decline of 53 kWh per person in clean electricity is a worrying trend, as it suggests a shift away from sustainable practices, even amidst increasing electricity demands.
Suggestions
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Congo-Brazzaville can learn from successful regions that have invested in solar and nuclear energy. For instance, Cyprus generates 23% of its electricity from solar power, demonstrating the potential for solar expansions in similar geographical contexts. Similarly, regions like Illinois produce more than half of their electricity from nuclear energy, providing a stable and carbon-free power source. By adopting strategies to increase the share of solar and nuclear energies, Congo-Brazzaville can bolster its clean electricity mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, thereby combating climate change and improving air quality.
History
Historically, Congo-Brazzaville's low-carbon electricity generation, predominantly from hydropower, has experienced various fluctuations. During the 1980s and early 1990s, there was a steady increase with small increments, but the years in between saw fluctuations, including declines, which hindered consistent growth in clean energy generation. More substantial increases were recorded in 2010 and 2011, where hydropower saw significant boosts. However, recent years such as 2019 experienced decreases again, highlighting the challenges faced in maintaining consistent growth in clean electricity. This history underscores the need for sustained investment in robust clean energy infrastructure to ensure steady and reliable growth in low-carbon electricity production.
