Electricity in Seychelles in 2023
In 2023, electricity consumption in Seychelles heavily relies on fossil energy, which accounts for more than four-fifths of electricity production. This significant dependence on fossil fuels starkly contrasts with the modest contribution of low-carbon energy, which makes up approximately 14% of the country's electricity usage. The most prominent sources of clean electricity in Seychelles are solar, at nearly 13%, and wind, contributing about 2%. Despite these advancements in low-carbon energy, the current mix falls short of creating a substantial impact in reducing the nation's carbon footprint, highlighting the urgent need to pivot towards more sustainable energy options.
Is Electricity Growing in Seychelles?
The electricity consumption in Seychelles has seen a slight decline in 2023 compared to the previous year, indicating a concerning halt in growth that should be met with proactive measures. The latest data reveals a per capita consumption of 4925 kWh, down 16 kWh from the 4941 kWh peak in 2022. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation per person decreased by 14 kWh, from 717 kWh to 704 kWh. These figures suggest that Seychelles is not only failing to increase its overall electricity generation, but it is also experiencing a setback in expanding clean energy sources. Such stagnation raises concerns about the country's ability to meet future electricity demands and its commitment to sustainable development.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Seychelles should focus on expanding solar power, which is already contributing significantly to the grid. Learning from successful regions, the country can look toward examples like Lebanon, where solar accounts for roughly 31% of their electricity, showcasing the potential of solar energy in regions with ample sunlight. Given the geographical and climatic similarities, Seychelles could potentially achieve similar success. Additionally, while Seychelles might not currently harness nuclear power, looking at countries like France or Slovakia, which generate over 60% of their electricity from nuclear energy, could inspire strategies to incorporate diverse low-carbon technologies into the national energy framework for substantial and sustainable growth.
History
Seychelles' historical development of low-carbon electricity generation has shown a lack of significant progress, particularly in wind and solar power sectors. Since 2013, wind energy has consistently contributed close to no additional electricity, marking no change over the subsequent decade. Similarly, from 2019 onwards, solar electricity production has seen zero growth. This stagnation reflects missed opportunities to invest in and expand clean energy capabilities, emphasizing the need for a transformative approach that incorporates best practices from global leaders in sustainable electricity to ensure a greener energy future. These historical insights underline the urgency of proactive measures to boost low-carbon electricity and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.