In Liberia, the state of electricity consumption in 2022 was marked by low generation levels, particularly in sustainable energy sources. The majority of the electricity was generated from non-renewable, fossil fuel sources, as the country struggled with close to none in terms of low-carbon energy contributions. With a significantly lower consumption rate compared to the global average of 3606 watts per person, Liberia faces potential setbacks such as restricted economic growth, limited technological advancement, and overall reduced quality of life due to inefficient and scarce electricity supply.
Liberia can enhance its low-carbon electricity generation by drawing lessons from countries that have successfully implemented sustainable energy solutions. For instance, countries like Brazil and India have seen substantial developments in wind and solar power, with Brazil generating over 90 TWh from wind and India generating almost 130 TWh from solar. These cases exemplify how investing in these energy sources can diversify the electricity mix. Liberia could also consider looking into nuclear energy, inspired by the capacities seen in countries like France and South Korea, which have incorporated robust nuclear generation into their energy portfolios. By tapping into such clean energy solutions, Liberia can progress toward mitigating the impacts of climate change and addressing local pollution-related issues.
Historically, Liberia's low-carbon electricity generation, specifically from hydroelectric sources, has seen minimal evolution. In the early 1980s, hydroelectric generation remained stagnant, and it was not until 1984 when a minor decrease was recorded. This was followed by a brief increase in 1985 and then a period of no change through the late 1980s. A resurgence in hydroelectric generation occurred in 2020 with a small boost, but subsequent years like 2021 and 2022 showed no additional growth. This stagnation highlights the need for Liberia to actively pursue advancements in all low-carbon sectors, utilizing both new technologies and effective policy frameworks to achieve a sustainable and efficient electricity future.