In 2023, electricity consumption in Côte d'Ivoire is largely dominated by fossil fuels, with more than half of its electricity generated from gas alone, amounting to approximately 7.65 TWh. This reliance on gas reflects the broader use of fossil fuels in the country. On the other hand, clean energy sources like hydropower contribute significantly less to the total electricity mix, with hydropower yielding around 3.35 TWh. When considered relative to global averages, Côte d'Ivoire's electricity consumption per person stands at a modest 357 kWh, which is considerably lower compared to the global average of 3794 kWh per person. Such low levels of electricity generation can hinder economic development and access to modern conveniences, affecting quality of life and economic growth.

Is Electricity Growing in Côte d’Ivoire?

Unfortunately, recent data suggests a concerning reduction in electricity consumption in Côte d'Ivoire. The per-person electricity use decreased to 357 kWh in 2023 from its previous record of 415 kWh in 2022. This decline of 58 kWh highlights an unsettling trend. Particularly alarming is the decrease in low-carbon electricity generation, with 2023 showing only 111 kWh per person, considerably lower than the previous high of 199 kWh per person in 1981. This decline in clean energy suggests a need for urgent strategic action to reverse these trends and ensure a sustainable growth trajectory in the country's energy sector.

Suggestions

To bolster Côte d'Ivoire's clean electricity generation, examining the strategies of successful regions could prove instructive. The People's Republic of China and the United States showcase substantial investments in solar and nuclear energy, which provide promising models. With China producing an impressive 1266 TWh from solar and 480 TWh from nuclear, and the U.S. generating 792 TWh from nuclear and 414 TWh from solar, these regions exemplify how focused investment in such energy can lead to significant improvements. For Côte d'Ivoire, adopting and adapting these clean technologies could help enhance their electricity generation capacity and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Emphasizing solar due to the country’s advantageous sun exposure and exploring nuclear energy for its efficiency and reliability may enable sustainable and substantial growth.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Côte d'Ivoire has been fluctuating over the decades, primarily driven by changes in hydropower. In the early 1980s, there was some growth, particularly in 1981 with a 0.4 TWh increase. However, the subsequent years experienced setbacks, such as in 1983 and 1984 with decreases of 0.6 TWh and 0.7 TWh, respectively. Moving towards the 1990s and early 2000s, improvements were seen sporadically, like in 1995 and 1999, each observing a 0.6 TWh and 0.4 TWh increase. Recent years have continued this pattern of volatility, with 2018 seeing a significant 0.9 TWh increase followed by a decline in 2021 of 0.7 TWh. This inconsistency highlights the pressing need for stable investment in diverse low-carbon technologies to assure a reliable and sustainable energy future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade