In 2022, Eritrea's electricity consumption was at one of the lowest levels globally, with each person consuming close to none compared to the global average of 3606 watts per person. Most of Eritrea's electricity comes from fossil fuels, reflecting a significant disparity in clean energy adoption. Low levels of electricity generation can have severe consequences for economic development, quality of life, and the environment because reliance on fossil fuels leads to air pollution and contributes to climate change. This limited electricity availability stifles industrial growth, technological advancement, and everyday activities for the populace.
To improve its low-carbon electricity generation, Eritrea can look towards successful examples worldwide, particularly those that have effectively harnessed solar and wind energy. For instance, India has achieved impressive solar and wind electricity production, generating 125 TWh and 92 TWh, respectively. Similarly, Brazil's wind energy production stands at 97 TWh, showcasing that countries with similar development profiles can transition to clean electricity sources. Eritrea should consider investing in solar and wind technologies and explore the potential of nuclear energy, learning from countries like the United Arab Emirates, which has achieved considerable progress in nuclear electricity at 32 TWh.
Historically, Eritrea has seen virtually no growth in its low-carbon electricity production, with solar and wind energy generation remaining flat from 1997 through 2019. Throughout these years, there was neither an increase nor decrease in solar energy, with the same going for wind energy, which started being tracked in 2008. This stagnation indicates the need for a strategic national push towards developing these energy sources. Embracing the transition to green electricity is crucial for Eritrea's sustainable development and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.