As of 2023, electricity consumption in Sierra Leone is significantly below the global average, with just 25 kWh per person compared to the worldwide average of 3781 kWh per person. This paltry consumption level translates to "close to none" in terms of global comparison and highlights the urgent need for expansion to meet basic needs and support development. The current energy mix in Sierra Leone is heavily skewed towards low-carbon energy, with hydroelectric and solar power being the primary sources, but the total output remains woefully inadequate. The deficiency in electricity generation can severely restrict economic development, impede access to modern technological advancements, and overall quality of life improvements for Sierra Leoneans. Expanding electricity generation, particularly from low-carbon sources, is crucial for overcoming these challenges.
Is Electricity Growing in Sierra Leone?
Examining the recent trends, it is evident that electricity generation in Sierra Leone is unfortunately contracting. The latest figures from 2023 show a total electricity consumption of 25 kWh per person, a notable decrease from the previous record of 36 kWh per person in 2018. Moreover, low-carbon electricity generation also saw a slight decline, with 24 kWh per person in 2023 compared to 25 kWh in 2019. This stagnation and decline in both overall and low-carbon electricity generation are troubling, especially since the demand for sustainable energy solutions is critical. This stagnancy indicates potential infrastructural or policy hurdles that need urgent addressing to resume growth and meet both current and future demands.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Sierra Leone could learn from regions demonstrating success in this realm. Countries like India and Brazil, which have enhanced their solar and wind capacities significantly, provide practical insights given their developmental contexts. Emulating their rapid expansion strategies, alongside leveraging solar power like California or nuclear power like Illinois, could propel Sierra Leone forward. Solar presents a particularly promising avenue owing to its scalability and suitability for remotely electrifying vast rural expanses in Sierra Leone. Additionally, considering stable and reliable nuclear power as evidenced by states such as Illinois could ensure a dependable low-carbon backbone for the country's energy grid.
History
Historically, low-carbon electricity generation in Sierra Leone has shown minimal fluctuation, primarily dominated by hydroelectric power. From 2001 to 2009, the sector saw no increase, indicating stagnation in hydroelectric capacity. A tiny positive change occurred in 2010 with an addition of 0.1 TWh, but the momentum did not continue in subsequent years. The introduction of solar power in 2017 did not significantly alter the landscape, and by 2023, no additional capacity had been noted in either hydro or solar sectors. This lack of progress over two decades underscores the compelling necessity for Sierra Leone to adopt more aggressive strategies in developing its green energy infrastructure, particularly by embracing scalable and sustainable technologies like solar and nuclear, effectively setting the stage for future resilience and growth.