Electricity in Senegal in 2022

In Senegal, the current state of electricity consumption is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, which account for more than 70% of the electricity generated. This dependency on fossil fuels includes coal, which contributes close to 6% of the total. However, Senegal is making strides towards a cleaner energy future, with low-carbon sources currently providing almost a quarter of the nation's electricity. Solar and wind energy are significant contributors within this segment, with solar generating over 10% and wind adding more than 9%. Hydropower and biofuels make up smaller portions of the mix, each providing less than 4% of the electricity. Despite these encouraging numbers, there's room for growth in clean energy, which can help reduce environmental impacts and improve sustainability.

Suggestions

To propel its clean energy transition, Senegal can focus on harnessing its abundant solar resources by expanding its current solar infrastructure. This approach capitalizes on the success of existing projects and aligns with the country's present capabilities. Additionally, examining international best practices can provide valuable insights. For example, Ireland and Uruguay, both of which have a robust percentage of their electricity generated from wind, demonstrate how wind power can be scaled. These examples illustrate practical models for increasing low-carbon electricity generation. Exploring targeted policies and investments that prioritize solar and wind energy could significantly improve Senegal's electricity landscape.

History

Looking back at Senegal’s history of low-carbon electricity, hydropower showed some activity in the early 2000s but remained relatively flat over the years, with occasional changes resulting in modest gains or losses. A notable positive shift began in the late 2010s, particularly in 2017, when solar energy became a more significant player with a consistent increase in production, marked by incremental gains each subsequent year up to 2022. Wind energy has also seen steady progress beginning in 2020 and has consistently added to the low-carbon mix alongside solar. This recent embrace of solar and wind reflects an evolving energy strategy aimed at diversifying and greening Senegal's electricity profile, fostering a move towards a more sustainable and independent energy future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources