Electricity in Ethiopia in 2021
Global Ranking:
#145
99.9% #7 Low-carbon electricity
13.94
watts #196 Generation / person
In 2021, Ethiopia's total low-carbon electricity generation was around 15 TWh, with the vast majority coming from hydropower. This level of electricity generation is significantly lower per person compared to the global average of 410 watts per person. The direct result is a lack of electric power for many Ethiopian households, specifically in rural areas. This low level of electricity generation not only inhibits the country's development, but also has an adverse effect on education, healthcare, and other areas that rely heavily on electric power.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Ethiopia should take lessons from successful countries. The People's Republic of China and United States, for example, have achieved high generation levels from wind and nuclear energy. While the scale of these large economies is different from Ethiopia, the Ethiopian government could implement policies to encourage investment in wind and solar, further diversifying their energy matrix. Looking closer to home, countries like Brazil have managed to harness their wind resources for substantial electricity production, which Ethiopia, with similar geographic characteristics, could look to replicate.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Ethiopia depicts a relatively slow increase in generation. It is clear from the data that hydropower has played a significant role in the country's low carbon energy development. From the early 2000's there was a gradual annual increase in hydroelectric power ranging from 0.3 to 0.4 TWh. There was a peak in production in 2016 with an increase of 2.1 TWh. However, the addition of wind power in 2015 paints a picture of diversification in Ethiopia's low carbon energy strategy. The growth of wind power has been nominal compared to the hydro sector with increases and decreases in production occurring throughout the years since its integration. The overall historical trend illustrates a steady but modest growth in low-carbon power generation, driven largely by small increases in hydropower.
Electricity Imports and Exports
Balance of Trade
Data Sources