In 2022, Lesotho's electricity consumption stood at a modest 398 kWh per person, a figure significantly lower than the global average of 3649 kWh per person. More than half of Lesotho's electricity generation comes from low-carbon sources, notably from hydroelectric power. The low level of electricity consumption in Lesotho can hinder the development and modernization efforts, as it may impact everything from educational opportunities and economic growth to healthcare services. Increasing electricity availability, especially from low-carbon sources, is crucial for sustainable, long-term economic and social development.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and Enerdata. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Lesotho?
There has been a noticeable decline in electricity consumption in Lesotho since the record high of 471 kWh per person in 2019, falling by 73 kWh per person to the current level. This decrease is more pronounced in the low-carbon segment, where electricity generation has dropped from a peak of 351 kWh per person in 2010 to 210 kWh per person in 2022. The decline in low-carbon energy output is concerning, as global trends increasingly favor clean energy. The stagnation in electricity consumption and low-carbon generation may be indicative of broader infrastructural or investment challenges that need addressing to ensure a sustainable energy future for the country.
Suggestions
Lesotho can bolster its low-carbon electricity generation by learning from regions that have successfully leveraged solar and wind power, as well as nuclear energy. The People's Republic of China leads in both solar and wind energy generation, producing over 1100 TWh each. Meanwhile, nuclear energy contributes significantly to low-carbon electricity in countries like the United States and France, producing 781 TWh and 369 TWh, respectively. These examples highlight the potential for Lesotho to harness ample solar and potential wind resources, and given the right framework and support, explore nuclear energy options to diversify its energy mix and enhance sustainability. Emulating these strategies could position Lesotho as a leader in clean energy within the region.
History
Historically, Lesotho's low-carbon electricity generation has relied solely on hydroelectric power. From 2000 to 2022, hydroelectric generation saw incremental growth, with notable increases in 2000 and 2005, adding 0.1 and 0.2 TWh, respectively. However, this growth has been uneven and marked by periods of stagnation and even a decline in 2011 and 2022. In the absence of policy shifts or initiatives aimed at diversifying energy sources, reliance on hydroelectric power alone is insufficient to meet the rising demands of the modern age. Therefore, it becomes imperative to explore more varied low-carbon energy sources aside from hydroelectric power, such as solar and nuclear energy, to ensure future growth and stability in electricity generation.
