Eswatini is currently heavily reliant on external electricity sources, with more than half of its electricity coming from net imports, accounting for about 62% of its total electricity consumption. The country generates almost all of its domestic electricity through low-carbon means, which is commendable since 36% of its electricity is derived from clean sources. Hydropower contributes the largest share of this clean energy mix, providing about 20% of the total electricity, while biofuels make up around 14%, and solar stands at a modest 2%. The utilization of fossil fuels for electricity is minimal, with coal representing a mere 1% of the total consumption. This reliance on clean energy sources for domestic electricity generation is a positive step towards sustainable energy practices, but there is still room to enhance local generation capacity.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and Enerdata. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Eswatini?
Eswatini's electricity consumption has shown a decline over the years, indicating a worrying trend for energy growth. The latest consumption figures stand at approximately 1211 kWh per person, which is a notable decrease of 339 kWh per person compared to the historic peak in 2007. Similarly, the generation of low-carbon electricity has also fallen since its peak in 2001, with the current generation being 439 kWh per person, down by 218 kWh per person. This reduction in both overall and low-carbon electricity consumption signals a need for Eswatini to renew its focus on increasing its energy generation capacity to meet future demands and to support future growth through electrification and innovation.
Suggestions
To improve its capacity for low-carbon electricity generation, Eswatini can draw inspiration from successful strategies employed by other regions. Countries like Nevada have tapped into solar energy, with solar providing 33% of their electricity, demonstrating its viability as a significant energy source. Similarly, regions like Iowa and South Dakota harness wind energy extensively, with wind contributing around 60% and 56% to their electricity mix, respectively. Furthermore, nuclear power can be a transformative addition, as seen in countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy contributes more than 67% of their electricity needs. By exploring nuclear and expanding solar energy capacity, Eswatini could improve its self-sufficiency in electricity production and reduce reliance on imports, while also minimizing environmental impact and fostering sustainable economic growth.
History
The historical development of low-carbon electricity in Eswatini provides some insights into its energy landscape. In the early 2000s, there were small but positive changes with biofuels becoming part of the energy mix in 2000 and occasional upticks in hydropower, such as in 2005 and 2017. However, the late 2000s and early 2010s saw some setbacks, with reductions in hydropower in 2003 and 2014, and biofuels in 2009 and 2011. Overall, the changes indicate fluctuations rather than consistent growth, which suggests a need for strategic investment and development in sustainable energy projects. These endeavors could significantly bolster domestic low-carbon electricity generation, ensuring a steady and robust supply for the future.
