As of 2023, electricity consumption in Liberia is remarkably low, standing at just 71 kWh per person, which is almost negligible compared to the global average of 3412 kWh per person. The distribution between energy types shows a clear division, with more than half of Liberia's electricity still reliant on fossil fuels, causing concerns about pollution and contribution to climate change. Only around a third of the electricity consumed is derived from low-carbon sources, mainly hydropower. The stark difference between Liberia's electricity levels and the global average can lead to significant development limitations, impacting everything from healthcare and education to overall economic growth and quality of life, necessitating an urgent review and overhaul of the country's energy infrastructure to enable sustainable and economic progress.
Data sources used on this page include EIA and Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Liberia?
Unfortunately, the trajectory of electricity generation in Liberia does not present an optimistic picture. Electricity consumption has plummeted from its previous recorded high in 1980, declining by a staggering 344 kWh per person. The situation is similar in the domain of low-carbon electricity, where there has been an alarming drop from 156 kWh per person in 1980 to just 24 kWh per person in 2023. These numbers reflect a troubling trend, showing a decline in sustainable electricity generation, contrary to the global momentum toward increasing low-carbon energy. This decline could hinder Liberia's progress and its ability to compete in an increasingly electrified global economy, as other nations forge ahead with robust clean energy policies.
Suggestions
To reverse this trend and increase low-carbon electricity generation, Liberia can draw lessons from regions that have successfully harnessed the power of solar and nuclear energy. Countries like India, which generates 166 TWh from solar, and Germany, with 133 TWh from wind, exemplify the benefits of investing in solar and wind energy. Furthermore, nations such as the United States and China are leaders in nuclear energy generation, benefiting from substantial clean energy outputs of 784 TWh and 481 TWh, respectively. Liberia could adopt similar strategies by investing in nuclear and solar infrastructures, providing a reliable, low-carbon energy supply. This strategy not only aligns with the global trend but also addresses local demand for electricity, reducing reliance on polluting fossil fuels and fostering sustainable economic and social benefits.
History
Historically, Liberia's performance in the domain of low-carbon electricity generation has been largely stagnant, especially post-1980s when the country experienced no growth in hydroelectric generation for several decades. Since the 1980s, hydroelectric output has remained largely unchanged, with minor fluctuations, highlighting an urgent need for diversification and expansion into other low-carbon energy domains like solar and nuclear. In the last decade, there have been small increases in hydroelectric output, with a slight uptick in 2018, but this has not been sufficient to significantly elevate the country's overall low-carbon energy profile. Addressing these historical shortcomings with modern and ambitious energy policies can help Liberia move toward a more sustainable and prosperous energy future.
