As of 2023, electricity consumption in Liberia stands at a relatively low level, with an average of 71 kWh per person. This figure is close to none when compared to the global average of 3,649 kWh per person. Fossil fuels remain dominant in the global energy mix, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and related environmental issues. In contrast, Liberia generates about 24 kWh per person from low-carbon sources, presumably from hydroelectric power given the available data. This limited access to sustainable electricity is likely to stall economic development, impede social progress, and restrict advancements in technology and infrastructure within the country.
Data sources used on this page include EIA and Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Liberia?
Examining the trajectory of Liberia's electricity consumption reveals a concerning trend. The current per capita consumption of 71 kWh marks a stark decline from the previous highest record of 467 kWh in 1980. Similarly, the low-carbon electricity generation has decreased from its 1980 record of 156 kWh per person to the current 24 kWh per person. This downturn indicates a significant drop of 396 kWh and 132 kWh in total and low-carbon electricity consumption, respectively. Such contraction not only highlights the challenges in growing the electrical infrastructure in Liberia but also emphasizes the urgent need for revitalization and expansion of clean energy sources to drive the country's sustainable development and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Liberia can draw lessons from successful regions worldwide. The People's Republic of China and the United States serve as exemplary models, having achieved substantial electricity output from solar and nuclear energy, totaling 1,117 TWh and 781 TWh, respectively. These nations have invested significantly in clean energy technologies to ensure a greener energy footprint and meet increasing power demands. By pursuing solar energy, as seen in Brazil's production of 81 TWh, and nuclear energy, with examples like India's 54 TWh, Liberia can gradually shift toward a more sustainable and resilient energy system. Such investments will not only foster environmental stewardship but also stimulate economic growth by facilitating access to reliable and affordable electricity for all Liberians.
History
In the history of Liberia's low-carbon electricity generation, various changes are evident over the decades. In the 1980s, hydroelectric power was the primary low-carbon source, though generation remained stagnant throughout the decade. The early 2020s, however, saw a modest increase of 0.5 TWh in hydroelectricity in 2020, followed by a slight decline in 2021, and then stagnation in the subsequent years up to 2023. The lack of substantial growth or diversification into other low-carbon sources such as solar or nuclear signifies a missed opportunity to capitalize on advancing technologies and infrastructural investments. For Liberia, fostering low-carbon energy initiatives is crucial to breaking this pattern and setting the stage for a cleaner and more prosperous future.
