In Equatorial Guinea, the state of electricity consumption is a mix of fossil and low-carbon sources, with the former slightly dominating. Over two-thirds, about 69%, of electricity comes from fossil energy, with natural gas being the primary contributor at roughly 68%. On the other hand, clean, low-carbon electricity accounts for more than 30% of the total electricity consumption, all of it generated by hydropower. This balance highlights the country's reliance on fossil fuels while demonstrating a substantial commitment to low-carbon energy sources as well, particularly hydropower.
Data sources used on this page include Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Equatorial Guinea?
Electricity consumption in Equatorial Guinea appears to be on a downward trend. In 2023, the total electricity consumption stood at 850 kWh per person, a significant decrease from the peak consumption of 1209 kWh per person recorded in 2014. This represents a decline of roughly 359 kWh per person from the previous record. Additionally, low-carbon electricity generation also saw a reduction, with 265 kWh per person in 2023 compared to a high of 390 kWh per person in 2015. The decrease of 125 kWh per person in low-carbon electricity generation points to a concerning trend that needs to be addressed in order to reverse the slowdown in sustainable electricity initiatives.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Equatorial Guinea could benefit from examining the success of various regions across the globe. Notably, countries such as France and Slovakia harness nuclear energy to generate about 70% and 66% of their electricity, respectively. Similarly, U.S. states like Iowa and Denmark rely heavily on wind power, achieving more than 50% of their electricity generation from wind energy. These successful examples indicate the potential of expanding both nuclear and wind energy in Equatorial Guinea. Furthermore, emulating places like New Mexico with significant solar electricity generation or leveraging nuclear power like in South Carolina can set a robust pathway for achieving long-term electricity sustainability while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
History
The historical development of low-carbon electricity in Equatorial Guinea has been largely stagnant, relying exclusively on hydroelectric power. From the early 1990s to the 2000s, there was no noticeable change in hydropower generation, with sporadic small increments in subsequent years. In 2012, hydropower increased marginally by 0.1 TWh and saw a similar rise in 2014 and 2015, although these gains were not consistent afterward, with some years experiencing slight declines. This pattern highlights a missed opportunity for more significant growth in low-carbon electricity generation, as substantial development of new technologies like solar and nuclear could propel the country towards greener and more sustainable energy solutions. Embracing these sources could ignite a transformation, helping to meet the escalating global electricity demands and fostering economic growth.
