Electricity in Eritrea in 2021

Eritrea's current state of electricity consumption showcases the country's heavy reliance on fossil energy. Compared to the global average electricity consumption of 410 watts per person, Eritrea has a much lower level of electricity generation and consumption. This situation has profound effects on the country's socio-economic development, as low levels of electricity consumption often correlate with limited access to modern services and slower industrial growth. Moreover, it hinders their capabilities in technology advancement and infrastructural development, considering that such progressions are energy-intensive.

Suggestions

Eritrea can take strategic steps to increase its low-carbon electricity generation to address these developmental challenges. Drawing from the success stories of similarly situated countries, wind and solar energy hold considerable potential for Eritrea. For instance, Brazil has significantly increased its electricity generation by leveraging its wind resource, producing up to 94 TWh of electricity. Simultaneously, countries like India and Mexico, despite being developing nations, have made laudable strides in solar energy generation, contributing 120 TWh and 16 TWh to their grids respectively. However, Eritrea also has to consider nuclear power generation, following the footprint of countries like Ukraine which generates 65 TWh from nuclear despite being smaller in size and similar in economic conditions.

History

To date, Eritrea's historical data points to a severe under-utilisation of its low carbon energy resources, specifically in solar and wind energy. For over two decades, from 1997 to 2019, the country achieved negligible progress in solar power generation. This stagnation indicates a lack of strategic investment and policy direction towards clean energy. Similarly, wind energy development has seen no significant growth since its introduction to the country in 2008. Eritrea's low-carbon energy generation history thus reveals a pressing need for a course correction, with robust, strategic efforts required to leverage the country's untapped potential in solar, wind and nuclear energy. With global climate change implications hanging in the balance, such an endeavor is no longer an option but a necessity.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources