In 2023, Seychelles's electricity landscape is predominantly powered by fossil fuels, which account for more than three-quarters of its electricity generation. Despite efforts to transition towards more sustainable energy sources, low-carbon energy comprises just over 14% of total electricity production. Within this segment, solar energy is the primary contributor, providing almost 13% of the power, followed by wind at around 1.6%. This reliance on fossil fuels is concerning given the impact on climate change and local air quality, but the presence of low-carbon sources offers a foundation for cleaner growth in the future.

Data sources used on this page include EIA and Ember. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Seychelles?

Electricity usage in Seychelles has seen a slight decline compared to its peak in 2022, with the latest figures showing a consumption of 4925 kWh per person, a drop of 16 kWh per person. Alongside this, low-carbon electricity production also diminished slightly, by 14 kWh per person, compared to the previous year's record. These figures suggest a stagnation in efforts to either expand or maintain clean energy output, a situation that could hinder Seychelles's transition to a more sustainable energy ecosystem. This plateau in growth is concerning as meeting the demands of a greener future requires an increase in sustainable electricity generation.

Suggestions

To boost the share of low-carbon electricity, Seychelles could benefit from expanding its solar capacity, given its significant presence already. Looking at successful regions like California and Nevada, which achieve substantial portions of their electricity from solar, Seychelles could learn and implement similar strategies to increase its solar output. Additionally, exploring nuclear energy as seen in countries like France, which generates more than half of its electricity from nuclear power, could offer Seychelles a reliable and potent alternative to its fossil fuel dependency. By investing in solar technology and considering nuclear options, Seychelles can aim for a more sustainable and resilient electricity system.

History

Looking back at the history of low-carbon electricity in Seychelles, wind energy has seen no production increases from 2013 to 2023, indicating a decade-long stagnation. Similarly, solar energy did not register any growth from 2019 to 2023. This extended period without any substantial additions to low-carbon energy production underscores a missed opportunity for diversifying and strengthening the island nation's clean energy portfolio. Instead of rest on these historical stagnations, a committed drive towards expansion and embracing advanced technologies is vital to transforming Seychelles into a low-carbon leader in the region.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade