In the year 2022, the electricity consumption in Sub-Saharan Africa is largely dominated by fossil fuels, with more than half of the electricity being generated from these sources. A significant 40% of electricity comes from coal, while gas contributes to about 14% of the total. On the cleaner side of the spectrum, low-carbon energy accounts for more than a third of the total electricity production. Hydropower is the leading low-carbon source, contributing nearly 29% of the electricity mix, showcasing its significant role in the region's energy landscape. Wind and solar energy, crucial elements of a sustainable future, contribute roughly 3% and 2%, respectively, with nuclear energy also playing a vital role at around 2%. Geothermal and biofuels make up a smaller portion, providing a combined share of close to 2%.
Is Electricity Growing in Sub-Saharan Africa?
Despite the global push towards increasing electricity access, Sub-Saharan Africa's electricity consumption remains stagnant. The data from 2022 reveals a concerning status, where per capita electricity consumption has seen no improvement, remaining at zero kWh/person compared to the previous record from 2012. This stagnation is evident not only in the overall electricity consumption but also in the generation of clean, low-carbon electricity, which has also seen no growth from the historical numbers in 2012. This lack of progress suggests that efforts to expand electricity access, particularly clean electricity, have not kept pace with the increasing demand and the potential for development in this region.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Sub-Saharan Africa can take inspiration from countries that have successfully incorporated significant portions of clean electricity into their energy matrices. For instance, Denmark's achievement in harnessing wind power, comprising more than half of its electricity mix, serves as a model for leveraging abundant wind resources. Solar energy also holds immense potential, as demonstrated by Lebanon's effective deployment, contributing over 30% of its electricity. Importantly, nuclear energy offers a reliable and sustainable option, as evidenced by France, where it accounts for almost 70% of electricity generation. By investing in and adopting strategies that have proven successful in similar contexts, Sub-Saharan Africa can make substantial strides in transitioning towards a more sustainable and resilient electricity system.
History
In reviewing the history of low-carbon electricity development in Sub-Saharan Africa, the last decade has seen notable fluctuations. The early 2010s witnessed encouraging growth in hydropower, with significant increases in 2013 and 2014. However, 2015 saw a disappointing decline in hydro production, despite simultaneous, though more modest, advancements in wind and solar. The tenure of 2017 through 2022 marked a promising upward trend in both hydro and wind power, with consistent growth each year. However, the nuclear electricity sector faced setbacks, with notable declines in 2018, 2020, and 2022. This inconsistency highlights the need for a strategic and focused approach to bolster and heavily invest in stable and green electricity sources like nuclear and solar for sustainable and secure energy progression.