As of 2023, Sri Lanka's electricity consumption is closely balanced between low-carbon and fossil sources. Clean energy, including hydropower, solar, and wind, makes up just over half of the country's electricity production. Hydropower is the largest single contributor, providing about a third of the total electricity. Solar energy follows with roughly 10%, and wind contributes a bit less than 5%. Meanwhile, fossil fuel-based electricity accounts for slightly less than half of the country's energy mix. This nearly even split signifies a strong foundation for Sri Lanka to build upon as it seeks to increase its sustainable electricity generation.
Is Electricity Growing in Sri Lanka?
Examining the trends in electricity consumption reveals a concerning decrease in growth. In 2023, the per capita consumption of electricity dropped to 736 kWh, down from a peak of 771 kWh per person recorded in 2021. This represents a reduction of 35 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation also saw a decrease, with the current figure of 371 kWh per person falling by 10 kWh from the 2021 record. These declines indicate a slowdown, raising concerns about Sri Lanka's ongoing ability to meet increasing energy demands through clean and sustainable sources.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Sri Lanka can focus on expanding its solar capacity while drawing lessons from successful regions. With Sri Lanka already generating a significant portion of electricity from solar and other clean sources, further investments could pay substantial dividends. The successes of countries like Lebanon, where solar accounts for 31% of electricity, and Greece with 26%, offer valuable insights into the feasibility and benefits of expanding solar energy infrastructure. Additionally, integrating nuclear energy into Sri Lanka's portfolio, inspired by countries like France, Slovakia, and states like Illinois, could provide steady and reliable clean electricity in large quantities. Looking to these global leaders in clean energy, Sri Lanka can determine the most effective strategies for increasing its green electricity production, supporting both sustainable development and environmental targets.
History
The historical evolution of low-carbon electricity generation in Sri Lanka provides insightful context for its current energy landscape. Over the years, hydropower has experienced a series of fluctuations. In the early 1980s and throughout the 1990s, increases in hydropower were frequent, such as the notable additions in 1984 and 1993. However, this trend faced setbacks in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with significant declines in 1996 and 2011. The subsequent decade saw renewed growth, particularly marked by a substantial rise in 2013. Yet, more recent years have again seen a mixed performance, with a notable drop in 2022 countered by positive increases in 2021 and 2023. Additionally, 2023 marked the beginning of solar contributing positively, highlighting the potential of new clean technologies in the energy mix. Strengthening and expanding this capacity offers hope for a more sustainable energy future in Sri Lanka.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.