In 2023, electricity consumption in Equatorial Guinea is primarily dominated by fossil energy, accounting for almost 69%, with gas being the major contributor at over 68%. Meanwhile, low-carbon energy comprises a little over 31% of the country's electricity consumption, and all of this is sourced from hydropower. This division indicates a significant reliance on fossil fuels, which are known for contributing to climate change and air pollution, further emphasizing the need for a transition to more sustainable energy sources. Transitioning to a more clean energy-focused infrastructure could help Equatorial Guinea reduce its carbon footprint and harness the abundant natural resources available within the country.
Data sources used on this page include Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Equatorial Guinea?
Over the years, there has been a noticeable decline in electricity consumption in Equatorial Guinea. In 2023, the total electricity consumption per person is 850 kWh, which is significantly lower than the historic peak of 1,209 kWh per person recorded in 2014. This reduction of 359 kWh/person highlights a worrying trend of declining energy use, potentially limiting economic and technological development opportunities. Similarly, the consumption of low-carbon electricity has also decreased since its peak of 390 kWh per person in 2015 to 265 kWh per person in 2023, showing a fall of 125 kWh/person. These decreases call for focused efforts in energizing growth by investing in sustainable energy sources to meet both current and future electricity demands.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Equatorial Guinea can learn from regions that successfully harness sustainable energy sources, particularly nuclear, solar, and wind. Analyzing countries like France and Slovakia, which generate substantial portions of their electricity from nuclear power, can provide useful insights into developing a robust nuclear energy sector. Additionally, Denmark and Uruguay's successful exploitation of wind power, as well as California's advancements in solar, highlight the potential for these technologies to be explored and adapted to the local context in Equatorial Guinea. By committing to expanding these clean energy options, the country can secure a more sustainable and resilient electricity supply for its inhabitants.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Equatorial Guinea, primarily through hydropower, has seen minimal fluctuation for the most part. From 1991 until 2012, the hydropower production remained constant, showing no change in electricity generation. A modest increase began around 2012 with minor increments until 2015, where it saw peaks with slight upticks of 0.2 TWh in both 2013 and 2015. However, since 2016, hydropower generation has stagnated or seen trivial declines, suggestive of limited investment or capacity in these periods. This static state underscores the pressing need for a strategic investment in diversifying and advancing low-carbon electric sources to stimulate sustained energy growth and development.
