In 2023, Sri Lanka's electricity consumption paints a balanced picture, with low-carbon sources contributing slightly more than half of the total electricity generated. Hydropower is the most significant among these low-carbon sources, accounting for about 35% of the total electricity supply, followed by solar and wind contributing 10% and 5% respectively. On the other hand, fossil fuels make up just under half of the energy mix, highlighting a near-even distribution between clean and fossil energy sources. This alignment reflects Sri Lanka's commitment to clean energy but also underscores the necessity of reducing reliance on fossil fuels to combat climate change and air pollution.
Is Electricity Growing in Sri Lanka?
Regarding the growth of electricity consumption, Sri Lanka experienced a slight decline in recent years. The latest data from 2023 indicates that electricity consumption per person stands at 736 kWh, which marks a moderate decrease from the 771 kWh per person recorded in 2021. Similarly, low-carbon electricity consumption per person also saw a small reduction from its peak, dropping to 371 kWh from 381 kWh in 2021. This decline is concerning, particularly in the face of increasing global demands for electricity, highlighting an urgent need to accelerate growth in clean electricity generation and meet future demands.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Sri Lanka should capitalize on its sunny climate by expanding its existing solar capacity. Drawing inspiration from successful countries, like Chile and Greece where solar contributes to more than a fifth of their national electricity, Sri Lanka can aim to amplify solar infrastructure significantly. Additionally, while nuclear currently isn't part of Sri Lanka's energy mix, learning from countries like France where nuclear power accounts for 68% of electricity could provide valuable insights into the long-term stability and reliability that nuclear can offer. Embracing both solar and nuclear will ensure a sustainable electricity future, providing a clean, efficient alternative to fossil fuels.
History
Historically, Sri Lanka's journey with low-carbon electricity has been marked predominantly by fluctuations in hydropower generation. In the mid-1980s and early 1990s, Sri Lanka saw positive increments in hydropower, and again in the early 2000s and 2010s, albeit interspersed with occasional declines. Notably, substantial hydropower growth was seen in 2013 and again in 2018 and 2021. Recently, 2023 has shown promise, with a moderate increase in both hydro and solar generation, laying the groundwork for a broadened low-carbon strategy that Sri Lanka could build upon. The country's history with hydropower growth, alongside the budding developments in solar, suggests a promising trajectory towards expanding clean energy capabilities.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.