Electricity consumption in Yemen remains significantly low, with the country's total fossil-fueled electricity generation at approximately 2.55 TWh in 2023. Low-carbon or clean energy plays a negligible part, contributing a meager fraction to Yemen's electricity supply. Compared to the global average of 3781 kWh per person, Yemen's consumption is staggeringly low at just 78 kWh per person, indicating a significant disparity in energy accessibility. Such low levels of electricity generation could hinder economic growth, limit access to essential services, and affect the quality of life. Reliable electricity is vital for healthcare, education, and communication, and without expanding both the quantity and quality of electricity, Yemen faces challenges in these essential areas.
Is Electricity Growing in Yemen?
Recent trends in Yemen's electricity consumption show a concerning decline rather than growth. The latest figures for 2023 reflect a striking decrease, as each person in Yemen consumes 212 kWh less compared to the historic peak in 2013. Similarly, the numbers for low-carbon electricity generation are also on a downtrend, with a decrease of 1 kWh per person from 2018. These statistics indicate a worrying regression that can stifle advancements and development. It underscores an urgent need for concerted efforts to reverse this decline and aim for substantial growth in the generation and consumption of electricity, especially from clean energy sources.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Yemen can capitalize on solar power, which has already shown potential in the region, and explore new opportunities in nuclear technology as seen in successful regions worldwide. By expanding solar infrastructures similar to those in leading solar countries like China and India, Yemen can make giant strides in low-carbon energy production. The potential of nuclear energy, as showcased by countries like France and states like Illinois, offers a stable and large-scale solution to energy gaps. Learning from these regions, Yemen can implement technological advancements and policy frameworks to foster significant investments in both solar and nuclear energy, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Yemen, particularly solar energy, has seen minimal progress over the years. Starting from 2008 until 2014, there was virtually no recorded increase in solar electricity generation, with a slight positive change of 0.1 TWh in 2015. A notable increase came in 2018 with a 0.3 TWh rise in solar generation. However, following this increase, progress staggered, with no additional improvements from 2019 to 2023. This stagnant growth highlights a concerning lack of sustained investment and development. Given the enormous potential of solar energy in sunny regions like Yemen, it is crucial to address these stagnation issues and focus on consistent advancement to ensure a steady, clean energy future.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.