In 2023, the electricity consumption landscape in Eswatini reveals a heavy reliance on net imports, comprising more than 60% of its total electricity usage, which highlights the country’s dependency on external sources. Low-carbon energy constitutes a vital part of Eswatini's electricity, making up slightly more than a third of the total consumption. Within this category, hydropower contributes the most at around 20%, followed by biofuels at 14%, and solar power just beyond 2%. Fossil energy, solely from coal, accounts for a mere 1.3%, indicating a very low dependence on fossil fuels for electricity. This mix reflects a commendable inclination towards clean electricity, albeit with significant room for enhancement in reducing net imports and boosting domestic low-carbon energy production.
Is Electricity Growing in Eswatini?
Despite positive strides in low-carbon electricity generation, Eswatini's overall electricity consumption per person reveals a downward trend. In 2023, the electricity consumption was 1211 kWh per person, a notable decrease from the peak of 1550 kWh per person in 2007. This decline of 339 kWh per person signifies a contraction that could impact the nation's energy security and economic growth. Additionally, low-carbon electricity production saw a drop, from 657 kWh per person in 2001 to 439 kWh per person in 2023. This reduction of 218 kWh per person in clean energy is concerning, emphasizing the critical need for policies promoting growth in low-carbon electricity to meet future demand efficiently.
Suggestions
To foster an increase in low-carbon electricity generation, Eswatini can draw lessons from regions proficient in solar and wind energy as well as nuclear power. Similar to Nevada and California, which generate approximately 30% of their electricity from solar, Eswatini could expedite the deployment of photovoltaic systems to harness its abundant sunshine. Moreover, nuclear energy’s proven reliability and efficiency, as demonstrated by countries like France and Slovakia, which have around 65% of their electricity derived from this source, presents an invaluable opportunity for Eswatini. By investing in nuclear technology alongside expanding solar power infrastructure, Eswatini could significantly advance towards a sustainable and independent electricity supply, contributing broadly to climate change mitigation efforts and air quality improvement.
History
In reviewing the historical trends of low-carbon electricity in Eswatini, different phases of change can be observed. During the early 2000s, biofuels contributed a modest increase of 0.5 TWh in 2000, remaining steady for several years with minimal fluctuations. Hydropower initially fluctuated with decreases in 2003 before seeing minor increases and decreases in the decades that followed, reflecting a generally uneven progression in its development. From around 2017 onwards, hydropower exhibited a more stable trend with incremental growth, although neither hydro nor biofuels have shown rapid expansion in fostering a robust low-carbon electricity sector. This historic familiarity with low-carbon technologies provides a foundation on which to build and expand more significantly, incorporating modern advancements in solar and nuclear energy to prevent fossil reliance and promote a cleaner, more sustainable future.
