Electricity in Eritrea in 2023
In Eritrea, the current state of electricity consumption is quite low, with the latest figures for 2023 showing an average of 127 kWh per person. This is a stark contrast to the global average of 3412 kWh per person, highlighting a significant gap. More than half of Eritrea's electricity is still generated from fossil fuels, indicating a heavy reliance on non-clean energy sources. Low-carbon or clean energy in Eritrea, primarily from solar, accounts for just a small fraction of its total electricity consumption, at 14 kWh per person. The implications of these low levels of electricity generation are profound, potentially limiting economic development, reducing quality of life, and hindering efforts to electrify essential services such as healthcare and education.
Data sources used on this page include Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Eritrea?
Regrettably, electricity consumption in Eritrea has not been on a growth trajectory; rather, it has declined from its previous peak in 2018, which was 155 kWh per person—marking a reduction of 29 kWh per person. This decline reflects a worrying downturn in electricity generation and consumption. Low-carbon electricity generation has similarly seen a decrease, moving from a record 15 kWh per person in 2019 to 14 kWh per person in 2023. These trends suggest that instead of expanding its clean energy footprint, Eritrea is experiencing stagnation that must be addressed to enhance energy security and sustainability.
Suggestions
To improve the generation of low-carbon electricity in Eritrea, the country should capitalize on its solar potential, considering that solar is already a significant source of clean energy there. By expanding existing solar infrastructure, Eritrea could substantially increase its green energy output. Additionally, Eritrea can learn from regions like India, where solar energy contributes significantly to their electricity generation, or Texas and California, which have both effectively harnessed solar and wind resources to boost their low-carbon energy share. The exploration of nuclear power should also be a consideration for Eritrea, as seen in successful nuclear programs in regions like China, France, and the United States. By adopting a strategic mix of solar and potentially nuclear energy, Eritrea can work toward a more reliable and sustainable electricity system.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Eritrea has been marked by slow progress. Over more than a decade, spanning from 1997 to 2010, solar energy generation was stagnant, showing no notable changes. Wind energy too, which briefly appeared in 2008, didn't exhibit any significant increases in the following years. It wasn't until the late 2010s and early 2020s that Eritrea began showing signs of low-carbon generation with solar energy slightly shifting. However, these initial steps were not substantial enough to mark a turning point in Eritrea’s low-carbon electricity generation trajectory. A focused and determined effort is required to not only maintain but also significantly enhance low-carbon energy output to ensure a sustainable energy future.
