Electricity in Ethiopia in 2022

In 2022, Ethiopia generated approximately 15.41 TWh of low-carbon electricity, with hydropower contributing almost all of it at 14.75 TWh. This reliance on hydropower shows Ethiopia's commitment to clean energy, although other forms of low-carbon energy such as wind, solar, and nuclear are nearly nonexistent in the country's current mix. With a population exceeding 120 million people, this equates to a very low average electricity consumption per person, far below the global average of 3638 watts per person. Such low levels of electricity generation limit access to reliable and sustainable energy, hampering economic growth and development, while prolonging the reliance on traditional biomass and fossil fuels, which cause air pollution and contribute to climate change.

Suggestions

To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Ethiopia can look to countries that have effectively diversified their energy portfolios with wind and solar. China and India, emerging economies similar to Ethiopia in terms of rapid development needs, have made significant strides in harnessing solar and wind energy. China generates hundreds of terawatt-hours from its solar and wind infrastructure, showing the vast potential of these energy sources. Similarly, Brazil, another developing nation, has successfully utilized wind energy, generating more than 100 TWh. Ethiopia can replicate these models, leveraging its geographical advantages to explore solar and wind energy, while also considering nuclear power as a stable and scalable source of clean energy.

History

Ethiopia’s journey with low-carbon electricity has mainly centered around hydropower over the decades. In the first decade of the 21st century, incremental increases in hydroelectricity were reported, with notable growth from 2001 to 2010 as projects evolved to meet rising demands. The period from 2010 to the mid-2010s was marked by a more substantial expansion, with significant year-on-year additions, peaking with a 2.1 TWh increase in 2016. Although wind energy saw some initial interest around 2015 and 2018, with increases of about 0.3 TWh, there have also been some setbacks, such as the declines in wind electricity in 2017 and 2021. This points to the need for strategic investments and reliable infrastructure to steadily progress towards a robust low-carbon energy future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources