Electricity in Yemen in 2022

The current state of electricity consumption in Yemen is quite dire. In 2022, the country primarily relied on fossil fuels, generating around 2.35 TWh from this source and virtually none from low-carbon energy. This results in an average electricity consumption far below the global average of 432 watts per person. The reliance on fossil fuels not only contributes to environmental degradation but also diminishes air quality, affecting public health. With such low levels of electricity generation, Yemen is likely to struggle with economic development, as reliable and ample electricity is a cornerstone for modern infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

Suggestions

To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Yemen can expand its existing solar infrastructure, which has shown some fledgling growth in recent years. Countries like India and Vietnam, which share certain developmental parallels with Yemen, have made significant strides in solar energy, producing 113 TWh and 25 TWh respectively. Learning from these countries, Yemen could synergize public investment with international aid to scale up its solar capacity. Additionally, looking to nations like Brazil (52 TWh from solar) and South Africa (12 TWh from wind), Yemen can diversify its low-carbon portfolio by exploring wind energy options in regions favorable for such developments.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in Yemen is sparse, with a significant lapse in progress. From 2008 to 2014, there was no increase in solar electricity generation. A brief spike occurred in 2015 with an increase of 0.1 TWh, followed by stagnation and negligible growth until a 0.3 TWh increase in 2018. Subsequently, there were minor increments in 2021 and no significant growth in 2022. This inconsistency underlines the need for sustained and robust policy measures focused on expanding and stabilizing low-carbon electricity generation, particularly through solar and wind, which have proven successful in similar environments globally.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources