Electricity in Rwanda in 2023
In 2023, electricity consumption in Rwanda shows that more than half of its electricity is generated from low-carbon sources, primarily hydroelectric power. Nevertheless, the country's electricity consumption remains significantly lower than the global average, with each person in Rwanda consuming a fraction of what counterparts worldwide use—specifically, Rwanda's electricity generation per person is notably below the global average of 3813 watts per person. The dependence on fossil fuels constitutes a smaller fraction, yet the overall electricity generation remains insufficient to meet growing demands. Such low levels of electricity generation can hinder economic growth and development, potentially impacting sectors like healthcare, education, and industry, which are essential for the country's overall progress and quality of life.
Suggestions
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Rwanda can look toward successful examples from countries that have effectively harnessed the potential of nuclear, wind, and solar energy. For instance, China has made remarkable progress in wind and solar power, generating 992 TWh and 834 TWh, respectively, by investing in technology and infrastructure that allow for large-scale clean energy production. Similarly, Brazil provides a closer regional example with its significant wind energy output of 108 TWh, showcasing how regional cooperation and investment in green technology can be leveraged to boost sustainable power generation. By adopting policies that encourage investment in these technologies and learning from countries like China and Brazil, Rwanda can sustainably increase its green energy production.
History
Historically, Rwanda's low-carbon electricity generation has been predominantly driven by hydroelectric power. During the late 1990s, there was modest growth and occasional declines, with a slight decrease in hydroelectric generation in 1996, followed by minor increases and stability in the following years. Throughout the early 2000s into the next decade, hydroelectric output remained stable with no notable increments until 2014 and 2015, which saw marginal growth. Despite the consistent reliance on hydroelectricity, these small changes highlight the need for diversification in Rwanda's electricity sources by incorporating other clean energy technologies such as solar, wind, and potentially nuclear, to ensure sustainability and meet the nation's growing energy demands.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.