Electricity in Eritrea in 2023
As of 2023, electricity consumption in Eritrea remains notably low at 127 kWh per person annually. A stark contrast is observed when compared to the global average of 3649 kWh per person, illustrating Eritrea's significant energy deficit. With almost all electricity being derived from fossil fuels, and with low-carbon sources contributing a mere 14 kWh per person, the reliance on clean energy is close to none. This disparity may hinder Eritrea’s economic growth, limit technological advancement, and contribute to ongoing challenges such as inadequate access to reliable energy and increased air pollution from fossil fuel usage. A lack of sufficient electricity impedes various sectors, including healthcare, education, and industry, affecting overall living standards.
Data sources used on this page include Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Eritrea?
Recent trends indicate a worrying decrease in Eritrea’s electricity use. In 2018, electricity consumption peaked at 155 kWh per person but has since declined by 29 kWh. This regression is mirrored in the low-carbon sector which recorded its maximum production in 2019 at 15 kWh per person. In 2023, clean energy generation fell by 1 kWh per person compared to its previous high, suggesting that the growth of sustainable energy is currently stagnant or even shrinking. This situation underlines an urgent need for strategic interventions to revitalize and expand Eritrea’s electricity capabilities, emphasizing low-carbon generation.
Suggestions
For Eritrea to amplify its low-carbon electricity capacity, expanding solar energy presents a promising route given its initial foundation in the country. By observing successful regions, Eritrea can gain valuable insights. China and India have made considerable strides in solar power generation, producing 1119 TWh and 153 TWh respectively. Their success offers lessons in harnessing abundant sunlight effectively. Additionally, the expansion of nuclear energy, as showcased by the United States with 778 TWh and China with 475 TWh in nuclear generation, illustrates a viable pathway for Eritrea to ensure a cleaner, stable, and substantial energy supply. Investing in such robust low-carbon infrastructures will not only diversify Eritrea’s energy mix but also foster energy security and long-term sustainability.
History
Eritrea's history in low-carbon electricity has seen stagnant development. Starting in 1997 through to 2019, the outputs in solar energy remained unchanged, indicating that there was no progress or fluctuation during these years. The 2008 introduction of wind energy, which also did not show any generation, marks an untapped potential. This prolonged period of inactivity in both solar and wind underscores missed opportunities for developing clean energy infrastructure. By acknowledging this lack of development, Eritrea can redirect its focus toward establishing and expanding sustainable energy resources, drawing inspiration from regions that have successfully integrated substantive low-carbon systems into their energy production portfolios.
