Lesotho's electricity consumption in 2022 was marked by its reliance on low-carbon energy sources, with hydroelectric power being the primary contributor. More than half of Lesotho's electricity generation came from clean energy, providing around 210 kWh per person from low-carbon sources. However, total electricity consumption per capita remains significantly below the global average of 3781 kWh, with Lesotho's figure sitting at just 398 kWh. The low levels of electricity generation could hinder economic development and access to modern conveniences, limiting opportunities for improvement in living standards, healthcare, and education. Lacking an adequate and sustainable energy supply may also slow down efforts to address climate change and transition to a greener economy, emphasizing the need for increased generation capacity.
Is Electricity Growing in Lesotho?
In assessing whether electricity consumption in Lesotho is growing, the data displays a concerning trend. The peak recorded consumption in 2010 was 446 kWh per person, but by 2022, this figure had reduced by 48 kWh. Moreover, low-carbon electricity generation has also declined; the standout figure from 2010 was 346 kWh per person, compared to the latest data showing a 136 kWh decrease to 210 kWh. Such reductions highlight a critical challenge for Lesotho: the absence of growth in electricity consumption may impede the nation's development, given that reliable and diverse energy sources are crucial for sustaining future demands.
Suggestions
Lesotho can look towards various regions for strategies to expand its low-carbon electricity generation. Countries like China and India have made substantial advances in solar energy, while others have leveraged wind power, as seen in Texas and Germany. By learning from these successful examples, Lesotho could invest in solar and wind infrastructure. Solar energy, in particular, holds enormous promise given Lesotho's geographical characteristics, enabling it to harness abundant sunlight. Meanwhile, exploring nuclear power should be prioritized, akin to the approaches taken by the United States and France, as they offer reliable and potent production free from emissions and environmental concerns. These collective efforts promise to bolster Lesotho's energy security and economic development by ensuring a greener and more robust electricity supply.
History
Historically, Lesotho's low-carbon electricity generation has been an arena of limited progress predominantly based on hydroelectric power, with the early 2000s seeing minimal incremental changes. The period after 2002 was characterized by a slow upward trend until the slight decline observed in 2011. From 2013 onward, generation remained largely stagnant until a slight uptick in 2021, followed by another decline in 2022. This history of hydroelectric power generation, while moderately stable, underscores the urgent need for diversifying and expanding Lesotho's green energy portfolio. Our focus should remain optimistic about the potential advancements in solar and nuclear energy, given their significant role in reducing dependency on fossil fuels and ensuring sustainable, clean electricity production both in Lesotho and globally.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.