The current state of electricity consumption in Yemen for the year 2023 reveals a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, with 2.55 TWh generated from these sources. This usage signifies almost the entirety of the country's electricity generation, with close to none coming from low-carbon sources. With a per capita electricity consumption of merely 78 kWh, Yemen's electricity usage is dramatically lower than the global average of 3736 kWh/person. Such a significant gap indicates substantial challenges for economic development, healthcare, and the overall quality of life, as access to reliable and abundant electricity is crucial for modern infrastructure and services.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Yemen?
Assessing the growth of electricity in Yemen, the outlook appears discouraging. In 2023, individual electricity consumption has plummeted to 78 kWh, a stark decline from a record 290 kWh in 2013—a decrease of 212 kWh per person. Low-carbon electricity generation also remains stagnant, with the latest figures at 13 kWh per person. This is barely a change from the previous record of 14 kWh in 2019, pointing to a concerning stagnation in the growth of clean energy within the nation. The lack of progress is troubling, given the global push towards clean and sustainable energy sources, highlighting a critical need for Yemen to innovate and expand its electricity generation capabilities.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Yemen should focus on expanding solar power, which is already contributing to its energy mix, albeit modestly. Yemen can look to successful regions that have harnessed solar and nuclear energy to generate vast electricity supplies. For instance, countries like the People's Republic of China and the United States have significantly expanded their solar capabilities, producing 1170 TWh and 373 TWh respectively. Moreover, nuclear energy has demonstrated its efficacy in providing stable, reliable power at scale in countries such as France, with 373 TWh generated, and the United States, with 785 TWh. By investing in and learning from the advancements in these regions, Yemen can harness its abundant solar resources and explore nuclear as a steadfast power source to enhance its electricity supply sustainably.
History
Tracing the history of low-carbon electricity in Yemen, the journey started in earnest around 2015 with a modest solar power increase of 0.1 TWh, marking the country's initial steps towards clean energy. The significant milestone took place in 2018 when solar generation grew by 0.3 TWh. However, the consecutive years showed stagnation with no further gains from 2019 through 2023. The absence of substantial advancements in clean energy generation in recent years is disappointing, especially as demand for sustainable energy sources grows worldwide. Yemen's limited progress serves as a sobering reminder of the need for accelerated efforts and strategic plans to build a resilient and green energy future in the region.
