Electricity in Senegal in 2023
As of 2023, Senegal's electricity consumption is predominantly fueled by fossil energy, with more than 70% of its electricity generated from these sources. The remainder is mostly composed of low-carbon energy sources, accounting for roughly one-fifth of the total electricity. Among low-carbon sources, wind energy contributes almost 9% and solar energy provides nearly 7%, while hydropower plays a smaller role, contributing close to 4%. Biofuels, though included in the low-carbon category, make up about 1% of the electricity generation. Net imports supplement the nation's electricity needs, constituting just under 6% of the total. The dependency on fossil fuels continues to pose challenges in terms of climate change and pollution, underlining the need for further development of clean energy sources.
Suggestions
To boost its low-carbon electricity generation, Senegal can look to countries that have successfully expanded their low-carbon portfolios. For instance, Lebanon draws more than 30% of its electricity from solar energy, demonstrating the potential of solar power in regions with favorable sunlight conditions. Uruguay and Morocco showcase successful wind energy adoption, with each country generating around 20-30% of their electricity from wind. Senegal can also consider investing in nuclear energy, which has proven highly effective in nations such as France and Ukraine, where nuclear power contributes to more than half of their electricity. By adopting strategies for enhancing solar, wind, and potentially nuclear energy production, Senegal can improve its energy security and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Senegal has seen gradual changes over the years. In the early 2000s, hydropower experienced modest growth, with slight increases in electricity generation in 2002 and 2003. However, this trend did not continue, as hydropower's contributions remained unchanged or slightly declined. The introduction of solar energy in 2017 marked a significant development, with steady growth in the following years, as seen with the additions in 2018 and 2019. Similarly, wind energy has gained traction since its inception in 2020, recording notable increases through 2022. These developments are promising indicators of a transition toward more sustainable energy sources in Senegal, creating a pathway toward a greener electricity grid.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.