In 2022, electricity consumption in Sub-Saharan Africa was primarily driven by fossil fuels, with coal and gas making up roughly 40% and 14% of the total electricity generation, respectively. This means that more than half of the region's electricity came from fossil sources. On the low-carbon side, a significant portion of electricity was generated by hydropower, contributing nearly 29%, and this was accompanied by smaller shares from other low-carbon sources such as wind, solar, nuclear, geothermal, and biofuels which altogether made up about 37% of electricity generation. The dominance of fossil fuels over low-carbon sources highlights an urgent need for a strategic shift towards cleaner electricity to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and pollution.
Is Electricity Growing in Sub-Saharan Africa?
Despite the global push towards electrification, Sub-Saharan Africa has experienced a decline in average electricity consumption per person, from 451 kWh per person in 2012 to 418 kWh in 2022. Although there has been a slight increase in low-carbon electricity generation from 152 kWh per person in 2021 to 156 kWh in 2022, this modest growth does not offset the overall decline in electricity consumption. The reduction in electricity per capita is concerning, pointing to challenges within the region's energy sector. Expanding electricity access and capacity remains crucial to driving economic growth and improving quality of life across the region.
Suggestions
To foster a modern and sustainable electricity sector, Sub-Saharan Africa could greatly benefit by drawing inspiration from regions with exemplary low-carbon generation. Denmark's impressive focus on wind energy, contributing 57% of its electricity, and France's reliance on nuclear, with 69% of its electricity, offer solid frameworks for progress. By investing in these technologies, the region can harness its abundant solar potential and integrate nuclear energy to create a resilient, green energy system that not only caters to the rising demand but ensures minimal environmental impact. Nurturing a combination of solar, wind, and nuclear energy will strategically position Sub-Saharan Africa to meet its electricity needs sustainably.
History
Tracing the pathway of low-carbon electricity in Sub-Saharan Africa over the years, we see notable gains, especially in the earlier years of the last decade, such as a 6.8 TWh increase in hydropower in 2014 and a 2.4 TWh boost in wind in 2015. However, the region has also witnessed instability, particularly with nuclear energy, which saw a significant dip of 2.6 TWh in 2018 and a further decline of 3.3 TWh in 2020. As these fluctuations persisted into 2022, with a 2.3 TWh fall in nuclear output alongside an 8.2 TWh rise in hydropower, reinforcing the momentum for substantive investments in stable and scalable energy solutions such as nuclear and solar becomes paramount. This approach will ensure a robust and sustainable energy future for the region that prioritizes reliability and environmental stewardship.