Electricity in Eswatini in 2022

The state of electricity consumption in Eswatini in 2022 reveals a notable reliance on imports, making up more than 61% of its electricity usage. Clean, low-carbon energy sources collectively provide around 36%, with hydropower contributing just over 20% and biofuels adding approximately 16%. In contrast, fossil fuel usage is minimal, with coal accounting for roughly 3% of the total electricity generation. This significant dependence on external sources and a balanced but relatively modest internal low-carbon contribution highlight areas ripe for development, especially in boosting sustainable local energy generation.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Eswatini can look to successful strategies from other countries with similar conditions and energy needs. For instance, Denmark's significant use of wind power, supplying 61% of its electricity, showcases the potential for wind energy in coastal or windy regions. Uruguay, with 36% from wind, further exemplifies the feasibility of scaling wind resources in smaller nations. Additionally, looking at solar energy successes in sun-rich countries like Greece (22%) and Chile (21%) can provide a clear roadmap for implementing solar power solutions. These innovations not only reduce the dependency on imports but also mitigate the negative impacts of fossil fuels like climate change and air pollution, paving the way for a cleaner, self-sufficient energy future.

History

Over the last few decades, Eswatini's path towards low-carbon electricity has been incremental but steady. In the early 2000s, the country primarily focused on biofuels, with an increase of 0.5 TWh in 2000. Throughout the 2000s, hydropower saw minor fluctuations, such as a 0.1 TWh decrease in 2003 followed by a 0.1 TWh increase in 2005. The late 2000s and early 2010s witnessed some reductions, notably a 0.2 TWh drop in biofuels in 2011. However, from 2017 to 2018, there were positive increments in hydroelectric generation, each by 0.1 TWh. These developments underscore the ongoing commitment to low-carbon energy, though there remains substantial potential to enhance capacity and achieve a more robust and sustainable electricity infrastructure.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources