In 2023, Liberia's electricity consumption is significantly low, standing at only 71 kWh per person, with a mix of neither low-carbon nor fossil energy sources contributing significantly. Low-carbon energy generation in Liberia amounts to just 24 kWh per person, which is relatively minor. In terms of global comparison, Liberia’s consumption is close to none against the global average of 3,781 kWh per person. This vast difference indicates a critical challenge for Liberia in terms of energy availability, which could potentially hinder economic development and limit progress across various sectors. Low levels of electricity generation may lead to inadequate infrastructure development, insufficient energy for industrialization, and a strained quality of life, as access to electricity is crucial for modern conveniences, education, and healthcare.
Is Electricity Growing in Liberia?
Electricity consumption in Liberia has seen a dramatic decline from its previous peak in 1980. Back then, electricity use was 467 kWh per person, and low-carbon electricity alone accounted for 156 kWh per person. The latest figures translate to a decrease of almost 400 kWh per person in overall electricity consumption and a decline of over 130 kWh per person specifically in low-carbon electricity. Despite being worrisome, this decline signals a need for urgent attention towards rebuilding and expanding the country's energy infrastructure, with a focus on sustainable, low-carbon sources to drive growth and development.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation in Liberia, the country can take lessons from several successful regions. Looking at the data, countries like China and the United States have achieved substantial electricity generation from solar and wind energy, producing hundreds of TWh yearly. For Liberia, solar energy offers a promising path due to its geographic advantages. Additionally, nuclear energy presents a significant potential for a substantial, long-term clean electricity supply, as evidenced by the success in countries such as France and the United States. By investing in solar and potentially nuclear power, Liberia could significantly enhance its electricity generation capacity sustainably, supporting economic growth and improved standards of living.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Liberia indicates prolonged stagnation, particularly in hydroelectric power. In the early 1980s, hydroelectric contributions remained steady with negligible changes. However, a small decline was noted in 1984, followed by an increase in 1985. After that, there were no significant shifts until 2018, when a slight increase occurred, leading to no notable changes in the years that followed, including up to 2023. The predominantly static nature of low-carbon electricity generation over the decades highlights the need for dynamic and significant advancements in adopting new sources of green energy to meet current and future demands effectively.