In 2023, Yemen's electricity consumption paints a challenging picture. The country relies heavily on fossil energy, generating around 2.55 TWh from these sources, with close to none stemming from low-carbon energy. This reliance on fossil fuels is concerning due to negative impacts on climate and air pollution. With a per-person electricity consumption of 78 kWh, Yemen's levels are significantly below the global average of 3649 kWh/person. This disparity highlights stark limitations in energy access, suggesting that many Yemenis experience restricted economic growth, limited health services, and educational opportunities, all stakeholders impacted heavily by insufficient electricity.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Yemen?
The question of whether electricity consumption is growing or shrinking in Yemen is equally concerning. Compared to 2013, when consumption peaked at 290 kWh/person, the latest figures represent a decrease of 212 kWh/person. Even Yemen's low-carbon electricity usage has slightly decreased from a record 14 kWh/person in 2019 to 13 kWh/person recently. This decline suggests a worrying trend in Yemen's energy sector, particularly when growth is crucial to meet future demands and ensure sustainable development.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Yemen can focus on expanding its solar infrastructure. Solar energy has proven effective in other regions, with the People's Republic of China achieving substantial electricity generation through solar sources. Given Yemen's solar potential, lessons could be learned from countries like China and India, which have utilized vast solar arrays to dramatically increase low-carbon electricity generation. Furthermore, investing in nuclear energy, as evidenced by successful implementation in France and South Korea, could provide a reliable and large-scale source of clean electricity for Yemen's grid. By embracing both solar and nuclear, Yemen could significantly bolster its energy resilience and sustainability.
History
Looking back on the history of low-carbon electricity in Yemen, there have been minimal advances over the years. From 2008 to 2014, solar energy generated no electricity, reflecting stagnation in adopting low-carbon technologies. A minor shift occurred in 2015 with a modest addition of 0.1 TWh in solar electricity. However, a significant jump in solar came only in 2018 with an increase of 0.3 TWh, although progress quickly stalled afterward, as there were no further increments up to 2023. This concerning lack of consistent growth in the solar sector underscores a pressing need for Yemen to prioritize and invest in sustainable energy infrastructure to ensure a positive trajectory for future energy development.
