In 2023, Eswatini's electricity consumption paints a varied picture in terms of sources. The majority of the electricity, more than half, comes from net imports. On the domestic front, the electricity generation landscape is primarily low-carbon, with almost 36% of the electricity being sourced from clean options. Of this, hydropower constitutes the largest share, contributing over 20%, followed by biofuels at 14%, and solar energy at just above 2%. Fossil fuels play a minimal role in the country's electricity generation, with coal representing a mere 1.3%. This energy mix signifies a strong reliance on low-carbon sources when considering domestic production, yet highlights an opportunity for expanding clean energy to diminish import dependence.
Is Electricity Growing in Eswatini?
When observing electricity growth in Eswatini, there appears to be a noticeable decline. The total electricity consumption per person in 2023 stands at 1211 kWh, which is significantly lower than the previous peak of 1550 kWh/person recorded in 2007, marking a reduction of 339 kWh/person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has seen a reduction from its peak, with 439 kWh/person generated in 2023, down from the 657 kWh/person achieved back in 2001. This downward trajectory in both overall consumption and low-carbon generation is concerning, suggesting that Eswatini has room for enhancing its electricity production, particularly from green sources, to meet growing energy demands while supporting sustainable development.
Suggestions
To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Eswatini can look to other regions as benchmarks. Emphasizing the potential of solar and nuclear energy, Eswatini can draw inspiration from Lebanon and Nevada, where solar power accounts for 31% and 27% respectively. Similarly, the success of nuclear energy in regions like France, where it constitutes 68% of electricity generation, demonstrates the viability of this clean source. Learning from these leaders, Eswatini could strategically invest in solar and nuclear power, which would not only mitigate dependence on imports but also enhance its domestic clean energy capacity, setting a course towards a more sustainable and reliable electricity supply.
History
Examining the history of low-carbon electricity in Eswatini, there have been fluctuating trends over the past decades. In the early 2000s, biofuel generation saw steady increments, although with some years of no change and occasional declines, such as the notable reduction in 2009 and 2011. Conversely, hydropower has experienced more variability, with notable dips in 2003 and several years of no change, punctuated by some recovery in subsequent years like 2005, 2013, 2017, and 2018. Despite several positive developments in individual years, the overall pattern reflects inconsistency and underlines the need for strategic investment and policy initiatives to stabilize and boost Eswatini's low-carbon electricity generation in a sustainable manner.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.