Electricity in Ethiopia in 2022

Ethiopia's electricity consumption in 2022 is overwhelmingly based on low-carbon sources, with a total of approximately 15.41 TWh generated from such sources. Hydropower dominates this sector, contributing almost all of the clean energy at approximately 14.75 TWh. The country's reliance on fossil fuels is close to none, making its electricity sector quite impressively clean. However, the total electricity generation per person is much lower than global averages, with an estimated wattage significantly below the global average of 3,606 watts per person. Low levels of electricity generation can hamper economic growth, limit access to modern amenities and healthcare, and even slow down educational advancements due to inadequate power infrastructure.

Suggestions

To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Ethiopia can look to several examples worldwide. The significant strides made by China and India in harnessing solar and wind energy are worth emulating, as these countries have climates and geographic features similar to Ethiopia. Harnessing the country's ample sunshine and prevailing winds could significantly boost its clean energy capacity. Exploring opportunities for nuclear energy development, as seen in South Korea and India, could provide a steady, reliable source of low-carbon electricity, helping stabilize the grid and reduce dependency on hydropower, which can fluctuate seasonally. The diversification of Ethiopia's clean energy sources promises energy security and aligns with global commitments to reduce climate impacts.

History

Ethiopia's journey to low-carbon electricity production has been largely positive, with steady annual increases in hydropower since the early 2000s. Starting in 2001, hydropower incrementally expanded, but significant boosts were seen in 2010 and 2011, with commendable increases of 1.4 and 1.3 TWh, respectively. The effort continued with substantial growth in 2016, adding another 2.1 TWh to the grid. Simultaneously, Ethiopia began integrating wind energy into its energy mix around 2015, though with some initial fluctuations, as seen with reductions in wind production for a couple of years. Despite these occasional dips, Ethiopia has consistently expanded its reliance on clean energy, forging a path toward a future of low-carbon electricity. By integrating various clean energy sources, Ethiopia sets the stage for an innovative and sustainable energy future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources