Electricity in Eritrea in 2023
Eritrea's electricity consumption in 2023 stands at 127 kWh per person. This is significantly lower than the global average of 3781 kWh per person. Almost all of this electricity is derived from fossil fuels, with clean energy making up a small but essential part of the mix at 14 kWh per capita. Such a low level of overall electricity generation poses substantial challenges, including limited industrial and economic development, constrained quality of life, and reduced opportunities for modernization in various sectors. Expanding Eritrea's low-carbon electricity generation is vital to alleviate these issues, as reliance on fossil fuels contributes to climate change and poses health risks.
Is Electricity Growing in Eritrea?
Eritrea's electricity consumption has seen a decline since 2018 when the record high was 155 kWh per person. The latest figures represent a reduction of 29 kWh from this previous peak. Similarly, Eritrea's low-carbon electricity generation dropped slightly from 15 kWh per person in 2019 to 14 kWh in 2023. These declines are concerning, particularly given the urgent global need for increased clean electricity generation. Electrification is essential for future growth and development, and Eritrea must reverse these trends to meet its aspirational and developmental goals.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Eritrea can capitalize on its existing solar capacity. Building on its solar assets aligns with aggressive expansions seen in regions like Japan, with their substantial solar generation. Eritrea can also look at the methods used by India and China, which have extensively developed both solar and wind power, as sources of inspiration. While nuclear energy isn't part of Eritrea's current electricity generation, successful examples from countries like France and states like Illinois show the significant potential of nuclear energy as a reliable and clean electricity source. Integrating lessons from these regions can guide Eritrea toward a greener and more robust electricity future.
History
Historically, Eritrea's foray into low-carbon electricity, specifically solar and wind, has been minimal. Since the late 1990s, there has been close to no progress in increasing the use of these technologies, except for a flat trend in solar from 1997 through later years. These decades of stagnation underscore the importance of immediate action to develop a consistent strategy for expanding clean electricity. The current scenario is a stark call for Eritrea to harness and expand its solar potential, thereby setting a foundation for a more sustainable and prosperous future electricity sector.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.