Electricity in Djibouti in 2023
In 2023, Djibouti's electricity consumption is heavily reliant on imports, accounting for more than 70% of its total use. Fossil fuels make up about 18% of the electricity mix, while low-carbon energy, specifically wind, contributes close to 10%. The country's reliance on imported electricity and fossil fuels raises concerns about energy independence and sustainability. Encouragingly, low-carbon sources, even though currently a minor part, offer a stepping stone towards a cleaner energy future if expanded.
Is Electricity Growing in Djibouti?
Djibouti's electricity consumption has experienced a slight decline, with the 2023 average at 616 kWh per person, which is a drop from the previous record of 633 kWh per person set in 2021. This represents a decrease of 17 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation also saw a minor decrease, from 62 kWh per person in 2021 to 61 kWh per person in 2023, a change of -2. This stagnation in electricity consumption and slight decline in low-carbon generation is a cause for concern, suggesting a need for strategic growth to meet future energy demands and reduce fossil fuel dependence.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Djibouti could take inspiration from regions that effectively utilize nuclear and wind energy. While nuclear energy isn't currently part of Djibouti's mix, observing successful implementations in places like France, which derives 68% of its electricity from nuclear power, could offer valuable insights. Additionally, Djibouti has great potential for wind development, and examining regions like Iowa, where wind accounts for 63% of electricity generation, can provide examples of how to harness this abundant resource. Moreover, solar energy is an untapped opportunity for Djibouti, akin to Lebanon, where solar energy comprises 31% of the electricity mix. By learning from these examples, Djibouti can strategically diversify and expand its clean energy portfolio.
History
In the early 2020s, Djibouti saw an initial push towards wind power with a positive change of 0.1 TWh in 2021. However, this modest increase did not continue in subsequent years, with no further growth in 2022 and 2023, a stagnant situation that is far from ideal. Although the introduction of wind energy represents a step toward low-carbon electricity generation, the lack of continual growth highlights the need for a robust long-term strategy. By prioritizing sustainable investments in various clean energy sources, Djibouti can break this stagnation and significantly increase its low-carbon electricity share to create a greener, more sustainable future.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.