As of 2022, Djibouti is heavily reliant on imports for its electricity needs, with nearly 80% of its electricity coming from net imports. The majority of the remaining electricity is generated from fossil fuels, accounting for more than 20% of the total. The contributions from low-carbon or clean energy sources such as wind, solar, or nuclear are close to none, highlighting a significant opportunity for Djibouti to diversify its energy mix and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and imports, which can contribute to both energy security and sustainability.
Djibouti can look towards countries that have successfully integrated low-carbon energy sources into their electricity generation. Observing countries like Denmark, which generates nearly 60% of its electricity from wind, can provide pathways for Djibouti to leverage its wind resources. Similarly, solar power can be explored as a viable option given Djibouti's geographical location, with Greece and Cyprus serving as examples, achieving nearly a fifth of their electricity from solar energy. Additionally, while Djibouti does not currently operate nuclear facilities, studying successful nuclear energy programs in France and Slovakia could offer insights into developing a comprehensive, clean energy strategy that includes nuclear power as a reliable and scalable option.
Historically, Djibouti has not seen significant development in its low-carbon electricity generation. Looking over the decades, there have not been notable increases or decreases in low-carbon generation, suggesting that clean energy initiatives have only recently started or are yet to be fully realized. As a result, Djibouti is at an opportune moment to embrace a strategic transition to low-carbon electricity by drawing inspiration from global successes, fostering innovation, and prioritizing investments in wind, solar, and potentially nuclear power technologies to build a more sustainable and independent electricity system.