In 2023, Yemen's electricity consumption situation is critical, with a total consumption of 2.55 TWh, all of which is derived from fossil fuels. The contribution of low-carbon or clean sources is close to none, highlighting a heavy reliance on fossil energy. This makes Yemen's per capita electricity consumption just 78 kWh annually, which is a stark contrast to the global average of 3,649 kWh per person. Such low levels of electricity generation can severely impede economic development, hinder access to modern conveniences, and negatively impact the quality of life. Moreover, the dependence on fossil energy contributes to air pollution and poses environmental challenges, particularly for a nation that could benefit from developing more sustainable energy sources.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Yemen?
Reflecting on the past decade, electricity consumption in Yemen has sharply declined. From a peak of 290 kWh per person in 2013, it has dropped by more than 200 kWh/person to the current level of 78 kWh/person. This indicates not just a decline in overall electricity generation but also small incremental advancements in low-carbon electricity, remaining at a nominal 13 kWh/person compared to a slightly higher record of 14 kWh/person in 2019. Such stagnation is disappointing, especially given the global push toward sustainable electricity generation. Yemen urgently needs strategies to enhance its electricity output, particularly focusing on sustainable energy sources.
Suggestions
Yemen can significantly scale up its low-carbon electricity generation by expanding its solar capacity. Regions such as China and India serve as excellent examples of solar power success, generating immense amounts of electricity—up to 1,114 TWh and 153 TWh respectively. Yemen can model its solar initiatives on these countries to harness its abundant sunlight, which is more suitable and practical than other low-carbon options due to geographical factors. Learning from the nuclear success of countries like France and the United States, Yemen can also consider strategic long-term plans to incorporate nuclear energy as a reliable, large-scale clean energy source. With dedicated policies and investments focused on solar and nuclear power, Yemen could drastically improve its electricity generation, aligning with global trends toward sustainable growth.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity, particularly solar, in Yemen has shown limited development. From 2008 to 2014, the solar electricity generation remained stagnant at zero TWh. It was not until 2015 that an increment of 0.1 TWh was recorded, followed by another modest increase of 0.3 TWh in 2018. However, there appears to have been no further progress from 2019 through 2023. This stagnation is disconcerting given the potential for solar energy expansion in the region. A proactive approach in recent decades could have led to more meaningful development, highlighting the need for intense focus on investment and policy changes to catalyze growth in the low-carbon sector henceforth.
