Electricity in Eritrea in 2023
Eritrea's electricity consumption for 2023 is relatively low, amounting to just about 127 kWh/person. This is significantly less than the global average of 3813 kWh/person, highlighting a substantial gap between Eritrea and many other countries. A considerable portion of Eritrea's energy generation relies on fossil fuels, which contribute to climate change and air pollution. Meanwhile, low-carbon or clean energy, such as solar, makes up a small segment of the total electricity consumption, with just 14 kWh/person. This limited access to electricity could hinder economic development, healthcare, education, and overall quality of life for Eritreans, as electricity is vital for powering essential services and fostering growth across sectors.
Is Electricity Growing in Eritrea?
Electricity consumption in Eritrea has not seen an upward trend in recent years. In fact, it has declined from a previous record in 2018, where it stood at 155 kWh/person. The current figures show a drop of 28 kWh/person. Moreover, the generation of low-carbon electricity, specifically solar power, has stagnated, seeing a minor decrease from its highest level in 2019. This reduction in growth is concerning, as clean electricity is crucial for reducing carbon emissions and achieving sustainable development. There is an urgent need to reverse this decline and aim for considerable growth in electricity generation, especially through green energy.
Suggestions
To boost its low-carbon electricity generation, Eritrea could focus on expanding its solar energy capabilities, as solar power already contributes to the country's clean energy portfolio. Learning from other nations can be beneficial. Considering the success stories, such as India's 134 TWh generated from solar or Brazil's and Spain's advancements in wind energy, Eritrea can adapt strategies suitable for its environment and economic conditions. These strategies include investing in new solar infrastructure and applying government policies that encourage both domestic and foreign investments in the solar energy sector, which could set the stage for Eritrea's sustainable growth.
History
The journey of low-carbon electricity in Eritrea began in the late 1990s. However, the data shows limited progress over the decades, with almost no significant changes in solar energy production. From 1997 to 2019, Eritrea did not record any major increases in electricity generation from low-carbon sources like solar and wind. This stagnation highlights a missed opportunity to harness the abundant solar potential in the region. Moving forward, Eritrea should prioritize the development and expansion of solar technologies and consider the potential benefits of integrating other clean energy sources such as nuclear energy to complement solar power, addressing the energy shortfall and creating a future of clean and abundant electricity.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.