Electricity in Djibouti in 2023
In 2023, Djibouti's electricity consumption is primarily dependent on net imports, which account for more than 70% of the total electricity consumed. Fossil fuels contribute to almost a fifth of the electricity consumption, reflecting a reliance on non-low-carbon sources that could lead to negative environmental impacts, such as air pollution and climate change. On the brighter side, nearly 10% of Djibouti's electricity comes from clean energy sources, with wind energy making up this entire low-carbon segment. This indicates that while there is some advancement in sustainable practices, there is significant room for growth and diversification in clean energy sources to further reduce the country's reliance on imported and fossil-based electricity.
Is Electricity Growing in Djibouti?
The recent trends in electricity consumption in Djibouti reveal a concerning decrease. The per capita consumption was 616 kWh in 2023, a decline of 17 kWh from the 2021 high of 633 kWh. This reduction suggests that electricity use is not on an upward trajectory, contrary to the needs of an evolving and increasingly electrified world. Furthermore, the generation of low-carbon electricity also decreased slightly by 2 kWh per person from 2021 to 2023. This dip in both total and low-carbon electricity consumption indicates a need for renewed focus on expanding sustainable electricity infrastructure to meet future demand and support economic growth.
Suggestions
To boost its low-carbon electricity generation, Djibouti could look towards countries like Lebanon and Somalia, which have successfully harnessed solar energy, generating 31% and 17% of their electricity, respectively, from this source. Djibouti, with its abundant sunlight and similar environmental conditions, could substantially increase its solar energy share. Additionally, adopting policies and technologies from Denmark, where wind energy accounts for more than half of electricity generation, could enhance Djibouti's existing wind energy capabilities. Emphasizing solar and wind energy would enable Djibouti to significantly augment its low-carbon electricity output, reducing dependency on imported and fossil-based electricity sources.
History
In examining the history of low-carbon electricity generation in Djibouti, particularly wind energy, a brief surge occurred in 2021 with an increase of 0.1 TWh. However, the subsequent years of 2022 and 2023 saw stagnation with no recorded changes. This plateau highlights the need for strategic development and investment in green energy sectors to counteract the effects of previous standstills. Without these efforts, the country's potential to capitalize on sustainable energy sources might remain untapped, preventing Djibouti from benefiting fully from the economic and environmental advantages of enhanced low-carbon electricity generation.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.