As of 2023, Liberia's electricity consumption is significantly low, with an average of just 71 kWh per person. This per capita consumption is a striking contrast to the global average of 3781 kWh per person, putting Liberia in a position where its electricity use is nearly negligible compared to global standards. The majority of Liberia's electricity is derived from fossil fuels, with low-carbon sources contributing modestly. Specifically, low-carbon electricity generation stands at 24 kWh per person, indicating that fossil fuels dominate the landscape. The country’s low levels of electricity generation can have profound effects, inhibiting economic development and limiting access to essential services, which can hamper growth and progress, further perpetuating economic and social challenges.
Is Electricity Growing in Liberia?
Examining whether electricity generation in Liberia is growing, the data reveals a concerning trend. The current electricity consumption is 71 kWh per person, representing a stark decrease from the previous record in 1980 of 467 kWh per person. This decline of 396 kWh per person over the decades reflects a significant shrinkage in electricity availability. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation saw a reduction from 156 kWh per person in 1980 to 24 kWh per person in 2023, marking a decrease of 132 kWh per person. Such declines in both overall and low-carbon electricity generation underscore a worrying lack of growth and a missed opportunity to expand clean energy, which could have provided a path to sustainable development.
Suggestions
To revitalize its low-carbon electricity generation, Liberia can learn valuable lessons from other regions that have successfully embraced solar and nuclear energy. Countries like China and the United States are prime examples, where massive investments in solar (with China generating 890 TWh and the US generating 314 TWh from solar) and nuclear energy (with the US leading at 781 TWh) have transformed their electricity landscapes. Moreover, Brazil's advancement in wind energy, contributing 111 TWh, offers a compelling model for harnessing wind resources. By leveraging solar and nuclear's potential, along with tapping into wind energy where feasible, Liberia could substantially boost its clean electricity generation, steering towards a more sustainable and economically vibrant future.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Liberia predominantly revolves around hydroelectric power, with modest and fluctuating changes. During the 1980s, hydroelectric generation remained stable at close to none, showing minimal activity. A slight decrease occurred in 1984, followed by a marginal increase in 1985. From 1986 to 1989, and continuing well into the early 21st century, hydro generation registered no significant changes, indicating a stagnant period. In 2018, there was a minimal increase, but the subsequent years up until 2023 saw no further growth. This pattern of minimal change across decades illustrates a lack of substantial progress in developing low-carbon energy, underscoring the need for urgent innovation and investment.