Electricity in Senegal in 2022

In 2022, Senegal's electricity generation was heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with more than 70% of the electricity coming from these sources. Clean energy sources comprised nearly a quarter of the country's electricity mix. Among the low-carbon options, solar energy emerged as a prominent source, contributing over 10%, closely followed by wind at around 9%. Hydropower and biofuels played smaller roles, together accounting for just over 5%. Additionally, electricity imports made up a little more than 4% of the country's consumption. Considering the harmful effects of fossil fuels like climate change and air pollution, transitioning to more sustainable energy options is crucial for Senegal.

Suggestions

To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Senegal could focus on expanding its solar capacity, which already plays a significant role in the energy mix. Learning from countries with successful clean energy programs can be beneficial. For instance, Denmark and Uruguay have achieved remarkable wind energy shares of 59% and 36%, respectively, demonstrating the potential of wind power in transforming the electricity landscape. Given Senegal's existing investments in wind energy, the country could follow in their footsteps to further elevate wind and solar contributions to its electricity generation. By embracing policies and infrastructure that support low-carbon growth, Senegal can reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and progress towards a cleaner energy future.

History

Historically, Senegal's journey into low-carbon electricity started slowly, with hydropower showing slight increments in the early 2000s. A shift towards solar energy began around 2017, seeing modest and steady annual growth each year. This was complemented by the introduction of wind power in 2020, which quickly gained momentum over the next two years. By 2022, both solar and wind registered significant contributions to the energy mix with increases of 0.3 TWh. This recent diversification marks a positive trend in Senegal’s energy landscape, as the country increasingly integrates effective low-carbon technologies into its electricity generation portfolio.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources