As of 2022, electricity consumption in Sub-Saharan Africa primarily relies on fossil fuels, which make up about 61% of the region's electricity mix. Coal constitutes the most significant portion of this, contributing approximately 40%. While gas accounts for around 14%, the low-carbon or clean energy sources present a significant opportunity for the continent, contributing almost 38% of electricity generation. Hydropower is the largest clean source at approximately 29%, followed by smaller shares from solar (over 3%), wind (a bit over 2.5%), nuclear (around 2%), and geothermal (just over 1%). The substantial reliance on fossil fuels not only impacts the environment through emissions but also highlights the need for a transition towards more sustainable energy sources.
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Is Electricity Growing in Sub-Saharan Africa?
The current state of electricity growth in Sub-Saharan Africa shows a concerning trend. In 2022, electricity consumption per person was recorded at 418 kWh, down from the highest recorded level of 450 kWh per person in 2012, which marks a reduction of 32 kWh per person. On the brighter side, low-carbon electricity generation is on the rise, reaching 159 kWh per person in 2022—a slight increase of 7 kWh compared to the previous year's historic high. While this growth in clean energy is a hopeful sign, the overall decrease in electricity consumption raises concerns about the region's ability to meet future energy needs, particularly given the expected rise in demand due to population growth and increased electrification.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Sub-Saharan Africa can take inspiration from global leaders in clean energy. Countries like France and Slovakia produce a significant majority of their electricity from nuclear power at 69% and 67% respectively, exemplifying the potential of nuclear energy. Likewise, states like Iowa and South Dakota demonstrate the effectiveness of wind energy, contributing 60% and 57% respectively. By investing in and expanding both nuclear and solar infrastructures, regions in Sub-Saharan Africa could significantly enhance their clean energy portfolio. Countries with similar geographic features or climatic conditions, such as Morocco's investment in wind energy or Cape Verde's utilization of both wind and solar, can serve as practical models for diversifying the clean energy mix.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Sub-Saharan Africa illustrates notable developments in recent decades. In the early 2010s, there was a moderate increase in hydro and nuclear energy, with hydro seeing a rise of 3.8 TWh in 2013 and nuclear also increasing by 2.2 TWh that same year. However, nuclear faced significant setbacks, notably a decline of 1.6 TWh in 2015 and further reductions in subsequent years. The late 2010s saw consistent growth in wind energy, which combined with substantial increases in hydro throughout the 2020s, highlights the region's ongoing shift towards more sustainable sources. Solar energy saw a meaningful breakthrough in 2021, with a 4.1 TWh increase, and continued its upward trend in 2022 with an additional 5.6 TWh. These dynamics underscore both the challenges and the promising potential for growth in Sub-Saharan Africa's clean electricity landscape.
