As of 2023, electricity consumption in Sierra Leone is very low at about 25 kWh per person, significantly trailing the global average of 3662 kWh per person. The vast majority of this minimal consumption comes from low-carbon sources, with close to none coming from fossil fuels. Such low levels of electricity generation can have far-reaching effects, stifling economic growth and hampering developments in health, education, and technology. Inadequate electricity access may also cause reliance on fossil fuels for energy needs, leading to increased pollution and adverse health effects.
Data sources used on this page include EIA and Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Sierra Leone?
Electricity generation in Sierra Leone appears to be on the decline, currently at 25 kWh per person, a disappointing drop from the 2018 record high of 36 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has seen a slight dip, dropping to 24 kWh per person from its 2019 record of 25 kWh per person. This declining trajectory indicates potential challenges in meeting both current and future energy needs, which could exacerbate the issues related to economic development and living standards. Efforts must be concentrated on reversing this decline and expanding access to clean electricity to improve national welfare.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Sierra Leone can draw inspiration from various regions that have successfully expanded their clean energy capacity. For instance, China and India have made remarkable strides in solar power, producing 1170 TWh and 166 TWh respectively. It is advisable for Sierra Leone to pursue solar power as the region has abundant sunlight. Furthermore, countries like the United States and France have significantly invested in nuclear power, generating 784 TWh and 373 TWh respectively. Sierra Leone could also explore the development of nuclear energy to ensure a stable, reliable, and sustainable electricity supply, reducing the country’s dependence on traditional fossil fuels and tackling the negative impacts of climate change and air pollution head-on.
History
Looking back, the history of low-carbon electricity in Sierra Leone has been largely centered around hydroelectric power. Between 2001 and 2016, changes in hydroelectric generation were stagnant, reflecting an initial lack of progress. It wasn't until a modest increase in 2010 that hydroelectric generation saw a slight improvement. More recently, the addition of solar energy in 2017 marked a progression towards diversifying Sierra Leone’s clean energy portfolio. However, significant growth has yet to be realized. As the global demand for clean energy continues to rise, Sierra Leone should capitalize on these preliminary steps, making concerted efforts to expand both hydroelectric and solar capacity for a sustainable and promising electricity future.
