In 2022, Somalia's electricity consumption was notably low, with an average consumption rate of almost zero watts per person. This figure stands in stark contrast to the global average of 432 watts per person. Somalia's electricity generation relies almost entirely on fossil fuels, contributing to high levels of air pollution and climate change. The absence of significant low-carbon electricity generation exacerbates issues such as energy insecurity, unreliable electricity supply, and increased greenhouse gas emissions, which can severely impact public health and economic growth.
To address these issues, Somalia can focus on increasing low-carbon electricity generation by investing in solar and wind energy, learning from countries like India and Brazil that have significantly expanded their clean energy capacity. India, for instance, generated 113 TWh from solar energy and 82 TWh from wind energy in 2022. Similarly, Brazil generated 96 TWh from wind energy and 52 TWh from solar energy. These countries have utilized their geographical advantages, policy support, and international collaborations to scale up their low-carbon energy infrastructure, providing useful models that Somalia can emulate.
Historically, Somalia has had negligible progress in low-carbon electricity generation. From 2016 to 2022, the data shows a consistent record of zero terawatt-hours generated from both solar and wind energy annually. This stagnation suggests a crucial need for policy reform, strategic investments, and international assistance to kick-start the energy transition. By focusing on these areas, Somalia can begin to harness its abundant solar and wind resources to create a more sustainable, reliable, and cleaner energy future.