In 2023, Sierra Leone's electricity consumption stands at a modest 25 kWh per person, which is significantly lower than the global average of 3813 kWh per person. Almost all of this consumption is generated from low-carbon sources, specifically hydro and solar. However, the country’s electricity access is close to none when compared to global standards, which could stunt economic development and limit access to essential services such as healthcare and education. The reliance on low-carbon sources is commendable, yet the overall low level of electricity generation signals a pressing need for expansion to avoid the harmful effects of energy poverty and to mitigate fossil fuel dependency, which contributes to climate change and air pollution.
Is Electricity Growing in Sierra Leone?
Recent trends reveal that electricity generation in Sierra Leone has actually decreased, which is concerning. In 2018, the record consumption was at 36 kWh per person, but in 2023, it decreased by 11 kWh per person, bringing it down to 25 kWh per person. This decline is mirrored in the production of low-carbon electricity, which saw a small drop from 25 kWh per person in 2019 to 24 kWh per person in 2023. This indicator shows that despite the commitment to clean energy, Sierra Leone's overall electricity generation is not growing and, in fact, is declining, signaling a need for strategic interventions to reverse this trend.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Sierra Leone can learn from the success stories of other countries. For instance, Brazil and India have seen considerable clean energy output from solar and wind sources. Sierra Leone can look to these examples and begin investing in solar panels and wind turbines to utilize the abundant sunlight and potential wind resources. Moreover, considering the small scale of Sierra Leone’s current generation, even modest investments could have a significant impact. Additionally, forming partnerships with countries experienced in clean energy expansion could provide valuable expertise and investment, laying a sustainable foundation for future growth.
History
Historically, low-carbon electricity generation in Sierra Leone has been relatively stagnant, particularly throughout the early 2000s, when hydroelectric generation saw no growth. This stagnation persisted until around 2010 when a small increase in hydro generation was recorded, although it was not sustained. Moving into the 2010s and beyond, both hydro and solar sources displayed little to no additional growth, reflecting a period of missed opportunities in expanding the country’s clean electricity capacity. Given the absence of significant advances, Sierra Leone must embrace new initiatives and support to grow its low-carbon electricity, setting a course for improved energy independence and climate resilience for future decades.