In 2023, Ethiopia's electricity consumption is heavily reliant on low-carbon energy, notably hydropower, which makes up nearly all of the 18.26 TWh generated from clean sources. Fossil energy plays a negligible role in Ethiopia's electricity mix. The global average for electricity consumption is 3813 kWh per person, whereas Ethiopia stands at a considerably lower 142 kWh per person. This stark difference indicates the challenges Ethiopia faces in providing adequate electricity to meet its population's needs. Low electricity generation can hinder economic development, limit access to technological advancements, and affect the quality of life for many Ethiopians.
Is Electricity Growing in Ethiopia?
Electricity consumption in Ethiopia is showing a positive trend, although growth is modest. In 2023, electricity consumption per person increased slightly to 142 kWh from 139 kWh in 2022, marking an increase of 3 kWh per person. This growth is mirrored in low-carbon electricity generation, which also rose by 3 kWh/person during the same period. These increases, while small, suggest a steady but slow progression in building the country's electricity capacity, with a continued dependence on clean energy sources. However, Ethiopia needs to significantly accelerate this growth to meet future demands.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Ethiopia could draw inspiration from successful examples globally. For instance, the People's Republic of China has achieved substantial clean energy output with 992 TWh from wind and 834 TWh from solar. Ethiopia, with its vast potential for solar energy, could focus on developing solar infrastructure, learning from countries like India, which generates 134 TWh from solar. Similarly, Ethiopia could consider the nuclear path, as in South Korea or Brazil, enhancing its sustainable electricity foresight. Following the example of countries like India or Brazil could drive Ethiopia toward a more diversified and robust low-carbon electricity generation portfolio.
History
Historically, Ethiopia has steadily augmented its low-carbon electricity capacities, with hydropower being the linchpin. The early 2000s saw moderate increases in hydropower output, rising by small increments, such as 0.3 TWh in 2001 and 2003. The momentum accelerated significantly post-2010, with notable surges in 2010 with an increase of 1.4 TWh and 2.1 TWh in 2016. While recent years have seen consistent growth, highlighted by a 1.9 TWh increase in hydropower in 2022, there was a minor setback in wind power, which fell by 0.3 TWh in the same year. Nonetheless, Ethiopia continues to push forward in hydropower, with an additional 0.9 TWh in 2023, emphasizing sustained efforts to expand its low-carbon electricity capacity.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.