In 2023, Liberia's electricity consumption is significantly lower than the global average, with each person consuming close to none, at just 71 kWh. This is a stark contrast to the global average of 3,658 kWh per person, indicating a substantial gap in access to electricity. The majority of Liberia's electricity comes from fossil fuels, while a smaller proportion, around 24 kWh per person, is generated from low-carbon sources like hydroelectric power. This lack of electricity limits economic development and access to basic services, and contributes to the ongoing challenges in improving living standards and reducing poverty. Additionally, relying on fossil fuels not only affects public health through air pollution but also exacerbates climate change, underscoring the need for Liberia to increase its clean electricity generation significantly.
Data sources used on this page include EIA and Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Liberia?
Historically, Liberia's electricity consumption has declined since 1980, when it was at its peak of 415 kWh per person. The reduction in electricity use since then, particularly in low-carbon generation, which was 156 kWh per person in 1980, is deeply concerning. Since the historic high, low-carbon electricity has decreased by 132 kWh. This represents a missed opportunity for growth and sustainability, especially in a time when electric power is crucial for economic and social advancement. The stagnation in electricity deployment, particularly in sustainable energy sources, indicates a need for drastic measures to revive and boost clean energy generation, reversing years of decline and enabling future progress.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Liberia can look to successful regions as benchmarks. Countries like China and the United States lead in solar and nuclear generation respectively, offering valuable lessons on scaling up these technologies. China's vast solar output, reaching 1,170 TWh, highlights the potential for significant solar energy generation, while the United States' commitment to nuclear energy with 778 TWh illustrates the role of nuclear power in a low-carbon future. By harnessing both solar and nuclear energy, Liberia could diversify its clean energy portfolio, promoting both energy security and environmental sustainability. Emulating the strategies of these regions, Liberia can take strides towards a greener and more prosperous energy future.
History
The history of Liberia's low-carbon electricity generation reveals a challenging past. During the 1980s, there was stability in hydroelectric output, with no significant increases or decreases. Unfortunately, this pattern of stagnation persisted into the early 21st century, with minimal changes up until 2018 when there was a slight increase of 0.1 TWh in hydroelectric generation. Despite this minor uptick, subsequent years showed no further increases, indicating a critical need for progress. The consistency in low-carbon output over decades poses a challenge that must be addressed to move away from a reliance on fossil fuels and toward a sustainable, clean energy future. Embracing solar and nuclear options could provide the necessary boost for liberating Liberia’s electricity sector and aligning it with global trends.
