Electricity in Sierra Leone in 2023
In 2023, Sierra Leone's electricity consumption is characterized by a heavy reliance on low-capacity, low-carbon energy sources, particularly hydropower. More than half of the country's electricity generation comes from hydropower alone. However, this total is close to none when compared to the global average consumption rate of 3813 watts per person. The lack of diversity in low-carbon energy sources and the overall low level of electricity generation pose significant challenges for the country. This low electricity generation can result in limited industrial growth, decreased quality of life, and challenges in achieving competitive economic standing on the global stage.
Suggestions
To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Sierra Leone can draw lessons from other nations, especially those that have successfully integrated wind and solar energy into their grid. For instance, China and India have made remarkable advances in solar energy production, generating significant amounts of electricity from solar, with China leading at 834 TWh and India following at 134 TWh. Similarly, countries like Brazil and India have shown that wind energy can be a viable source, with Brazil generating over 100 TWh. By investing in solar and wind technologies, and potentially exploring nuclear energy, Sierra Leone can diversify its electricity mix and significantly improve its capacity for clean energy generation.
History
Historically, Sierra Leone's electricity generation from low-carbon sources has remained largely dependent on hydroelectric power, with minimal growth over the years. Starting from 2001 through to 2019, hydroelectricity saw negligible changes, with a minor increase of 0.1 TWh recorded in 2010. Solar energy made an appearance in the data in 2017; however, similar to hydro, it has shown no significant advancement up to the latest data in 2023. This stagnant growth in low-carbon electricity generation highlights the need for strategic investments and government policies that prioritize technological advancements and partnerships to decrease reliance on fossil fuel imports, ensuring a greener and more stable energy future for Sierra Leone.