Electricity in Western Sahara in 2009

As of 2009, Western Sahara's electricity consumption is relatively minimal compared to the global average. With a per capita electricity consumption of just 60 watts per person, this is significantly lower than the global average of 432 watts per person. The majority of this electricity comes from fossil fuels, contributing to environmental issues such as climate change and air pollution. Clean energy sources like wind and solar are scarcely harnessed, resulting in less than 10% of the total electricity generated. This low level of electricity generation can hinder socio-economic development, limiting access to education, healthcare, and other essential services.

Suggestions

To improve its electricity generation through low-carbon sources, Western Sahara could take notes from countries that have successfully implemented wind and solar energy projects. For example, Brazil and India have shown significant advancements in wind energy, generating 96 TWh and 82 TWh respectively. Similarly, countries like Germany and Italy have excelled in solar energy, producing 62 TWh and 31 TWh respectively. By adopting similar technologies and policies, Western Sahara can increase its clean electricity production, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and promoting sustainable development. Furthermore, considering the energy demographics, rural and sparsely populated areas could benefit greatly from decentralized solar projects as seen in parts of India and China.

History

Looking back at the history of low-carbon electricity in Western Sahara, there has been negligible growth in this sector for decades. In the 1990s and early 2000s, there were no significant advancements in either wind or solar energy. Over the past decade, however, there have been slight improvements in solar energy generation. For instance, between 2005 and 2009, small-scale solar projects were introduced, increasing the electricity contribution from solar by a marginal amount. Unfortunately, these minor advancements are insufficient. To meet future energy needs and curb climate change, Western Sahara must rapidly scale up its investments in clean, sustainable energy like nuclear, wind, and solar.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources