In 2023, Ethiopia's electricity consumption is predominantly powered by low-carbon sources, with hydropower generating almost all of the 18 TWh of clean electricity. Fossil fuels contribute close to none of Ethiopia's electricity generation, positioning the country as a leader in clean power reliance. Despite this, the total electricity consumption remains very low, at just 142 kWh per person, a stark contrast to the global average of 3,649 kWh per person. This low level of generation could have significant impacts, limiting access to modern conveniences and slowing economic development, particularly in areas such as industrial growth and digital transformation, which rely heavily on sufficient and continuous supply of electricity.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources โ
Is Electricity Growing in Ethiopia?
The trend in Ethiopia shows a gradual increase in electricity consumption, from 139 kWh per person in 2022 to 142 kWh in 2023. This rise, albeit modest, mirrors the boost in low-carbon electricity, which also climbed by a similar margin in the same period. Such incremental growth, though promising, highlights the urgency for further expansion to accelerate progress and bridge the gap with global standards. The steady growth, while a positive indicator, underlines the pressing need for more ambitious strategies and implementation to fuel more substantial and impactful changes in the nation's energy profile.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Ethiopia can draw inspiration from the success seen in various regions around the world. The People's Republic of China, with its massive solar and wind power capacities generating over 2,200 TWh combined, represents a significant scale Ethiopia might strive for in solar and wind development. Given the ideal solar conditions present in Ethiopia, a focus on expanding solar electricity could unlock vast potential. Similarly, nuclear energy, which has been central to low-carbon power houses like the United States and France, presents another opportunity for diversification and scale in clean energy generation. By leveraging solar energy and exploring nuclear options, Ethiopia could make giant strides in enhancing and diversifying its clean electricity portfolio.
History
Ethiopia's history of low-carbon electricity generation, particularly hydropower, reflects a steady pathway of development over the last few decades. In the early 2000s, modest annual increases of around 0.3 TWh laid the groundwork for larger expansions. The 2010s saw more significant surges, with the most notable growth in 2016 and recent increments continuing through 2023. Additionally, the introduction of wind energy in 2015 and its gradual increase signify diversification efforts. The setbacks, such as the slight decrease from wind in 2022, emphasize the importance of continuous investment and advancement in technology and infrastructure. Looking at this trajectory, it's clear that steady, focused expansion, particularly into new clean technologies, will remain crucial as Ethiopia charts its path toward a robust, clean energy future.
