In 2023, Rwanda's electricity consumption per person stands at around 77 kWh, indicating a significant challenge when compared to the global average of 3813 kWh per person. This stark contrast highlights Rwanda's limited electricity access, which predominantly affects its development potential. Low-carbon sources like hydropower provide a substantial portion of the electricity, though the overall generation remains insufficient. With more than half of electricity coming from clean sources, Rwanda is taking steps towards environmental sustainability. However, the heavy reliance on limited electricity generation can lead to slowed industrial growth, limited technological advancements, and hindered quality of life improvements, especially in rural areas.
Is Electricity Growing in Rwanda?
The question of growth in Rwanda's electricity sector is currently a cause for concern. The latest data shows that per capita electricity consumption remains stagnant at 77 kWh/person, mirroring the previous year's figure. This stagnation is reflected in the low-carbon generation as well, which saw a slight decrease from a previous high of 44 kWh/person in 2021 to 43 kWh/person in 2023. Such a plateau in electricity generation, particularly clean electricity, suggests a pressing need for proactive measures to stimulate growth. Without an increase in both overall and low-carbon electricity production, Rwanda may struggle to meet the demands necessary for a sustainable, thriving society and economy.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Rwanda can draw inspiration from countries that have successfully expanded their clean energy sectors, with a particular focus on solar and nuclear power. For instance, India has been making significant strides in solar energy, generating 134 TWh, which serves as a compelling model for harnessing abundant sunlight. Likewise, adopting nuclear technology, as demonstrated by the UAE's production of 32 TWh, could provide a stable and sustainable energy source for Rwanda. By leveraging its natural resources and exploring these proven technologies, Rwanda has the potential to significantly boost its clean electricity capacity and contribute to a more sustainable future.
History
Rwanda's history with low-carbon electricity, particularly hydropower, has witnessed gradual changes. From the mid-1990s to the early 2000s, there were minor fluctuations, with occasional decreases and increases in hydroelectric generation. A notable shift occurred from the mid-2010s onwards, as the trend slowly leaned towards growth, with increases recorded in 2014, 2015, 2019, and 2020. These developments indicate intermittent progress, highlighting a need for consistent expansion moving forward. Despite these past efforts, the current pace of growth remains insufficient given the escalating demands of modern society, emphasizing the urgency for Rwanda to accelerate its development of low-carbon electricity solutions.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.