In 2023, Djibouti relied on net imports for almost three-quarters of its electricity consumption, at about 72%. Domestic fossil generation supplied roughly 18%, while domestic low-carbon generation supplied about 10%, entirely from wind. The data does not identify how imported electricity was generated, so imports cannot be classified as either clean or fossil-based from these figures alone.

Is Electricity Growing in Djibouti?

Electricity consumption per person in Djibouti was below its previous peak rather than setting a new record. In 2023, it reached 616 kWh per person, down 17 kWh, or about 3%, from the 2021 record of 633 kWh. Domestic low-carbon electricity generation was about 61 kWh per person, also slightly below its 2021 peak of roughly 62 kWh. This stagnation is concerning: expanding clean electricity supply would help support greater access, economic development, and future demand from electrification.

Suggestions

Djibouti can increase clean electricity generation by expanding wind and developing solar, alongside grid upgrades and storage. Nearby Somalia and Yemen each generate about 17% of their electricity from solar, while Eritrea generates about 11%, offering relevant regional examples. Sunny regions farther afield also demonstrate solar’s potential: it supplies about 35% of generation in the US state of Nevada. For wind, Morocco’s roughly 20% share offers another useful example. Djibouti should also explore nuclear electricity through long-term planning and regional cooperation, drawing lessons from the United Arab Emirates, where nuclear supplies about 20% of generation, and France, where it supplies roughly two-thirds. Together, solar, wind, and nuclear could strengthen clean electricity supply and reduce reliance on fossil generation and its associated air pollution and climate impacts.

History

The supplied history shows a single increase followed by two years of little recorded change. Wind generation rose by 0.1 TWh in 2021, equivalent to about 100 million kWh. In both 2022 and 2023, the recorded annual change was zero at the precision provided. This indicates that the initial expansion was not followed by further substantial growth in the reported figures, highlighting the need for renewed momentum in low-carbon electricity development.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade