Djibouti's electricity consumption in 2023 primarily relies on external sources, with net imports accounting for more than two-thirds of its total electricity use. Fossil fuel-based electricity makes up almost a fifth of the country's consumption, while low-carbon or clean energy sources, which include wind power, constitute nearly 10% of the total. Remarkably, wind energy forms the entirety of the low-carbon electricity share, but this remains a relatively modest contribution to Djibouti’s overall electricity needs. Transitioning away from fossil fuel dependence to sustainable alternatives is crucial for Djibouti to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, bolstering its commitment to combating climate change.

Data sources used on this page include EIA and Ember. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Djibouti?

Electricity usage in Djibouti is experiencing a downturn, with the latest consumption figures at 616 kWh per person, reflecting a slight drop from the 2021 record of 633 kWh per person. This decline of 17 kWh per person indicates a need for renewed efforts to increase electricity production, particularly in light of growing demand and the ongoing electrification trend. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has marginally decreased to 61 kWh per person from a previous record of 62 kWh per person in 2021. This slight decline is concerning, given the global push for sustainable energy sources, and underscores the urgency for Djibouti to expand its clean energy capacity.

Suggestions

To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Djibouti can draw valuable lessons from other regions that have successfully harnessed clean energy. For example, Denmark and states like Iowa and South Dakota have achieved wind power generation nearing or exceeding 60%, demonstrating the scalability and reliability of wind energy. Similarly, California’s solar energy strategy, achieving 31% of its electricity generation from solar, serves as an inspiration for Djibouti to tap into its solar potential. Following these examples, Djibouti should prioritize investments in both solar and wind power infrastructure while exploring the potential adoption of nuclear energy, as seen in France where nuclear power alone accounts for 67% of electricity, to secure a stable and carbon-free energy supply.

History

Looking back at the historical contributions to Djibouti's low-carbon electricity generation, wind energy started to make its mark in 2021 with an increase of 0.1 TWh. However, this momentum stalled in subsequent years, as neither 2022 nor 2023 saw growth in wind electricity generation, indicating a concerning stagnation. As the global community increasingly shifts towards sustainable energy solutions, it is imperative for Djibouti to break free from this stagnation and aim for progressive growth in clean energy production. By adopting robust policies and strategic investments in low-carbon technologies, especially solar and nuclear, Djibouti can secure a resilient and sustainable electricity future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade