In 2023, Liberia's electricity consumption per person stands at roughly 71 kWh, a figure that severely lags behind the global average of 3662 kWh per person. When analyzing the sources, the majority of this electricity is derived from fossil fuels, while low-carbon sources contribute a minor share of approximately 24 kWh per person. This dominance of fossil energy has concerning implications for climate change and air quality. Such low levels of electricity generation can impede economic growth, hinder technological advancements, and limit improvements in living standards, as electricity is essential for a wide range of services from healthcare to education.
Data sources used on this page include EIA and Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Liberia?
Historically, Liberia has seen declines in electricity consumption, with a notable drop from 415 kWh per person in 1980 to 71 kWh in 2023. This trend indicates a significant decrease of 344 kWh per person over the decades. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has fallen from a peak of 156 kWh per person in 1980 to just 24 kWh today, a reduction of 132 kWh. These figures suggest a troubling stagnation in the adoption and expansion of clean technologies within Liberia, prompting concern for the country's ability to transition to sustainable energy practices in the future.
Suggestions
To address these concerns, Liberia could benefit from observing the electrification strategies of other successful regions. For instance, China's substantial contributions to both solar and wind energy, with over 1000 TWh generated from each, present a compelling model. The United States' extensive use of nuclear power, contributing 784 TWh, also highlights the potential for nuclear as a stable and robust source of clean energy. Japan's accomplishments in solar energy, generating 104 TWh, emphasize the feasibility of solar power even in densely populated areas. By investing in solar and nuclear technologies, Liberia can increasingly harness clean energy, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and contribute to global sustainability goals.
History
From historical data, it's evident that Liberia's ventures into low-carbon electricity have largely been constrained to hydroelectric power, with no growth in this area from the early 1980s until a slight 0.1 TWh increase in 2018. Disappointingly, this was followed by stagnation through 2023. The lack of diversification and substantial growth in Liberia's clean energy portfolio over the decades is concerning. To mitigate these historical challenges, the country must actively pursue diversification into solar and nuclear power, which offer substantial promise for clean, abundant, and reliable electricity, critical for sustainable development in the 21st century.
