In 2021, Zambia's electricity utilization was overwhelmingly powered by low-carbon sources, producing over 16 TWh of hydropower, its primary energy source. This accounted for nearly all of the country's low-carbon electricity generation, which totalled a little above 16 TWh. The country also utilised fossil fuels albeit at a significantly smaller quantity, contributing a mere 1.38 TWh to its energy mix. Comparatively, Zambia's electricity consumption is significantly lower than the global average of 410 watts per person. This low level of electricity consumption limits economic development, underpins energy poverty, and curtails improvements in living standards.
To elevate its low-carbon electricity generation, Zambia might adopt strategies employed by other successful countries. For instance, in countries such as China and Germany, they have invested heavily in both wind and solar power, which produce 964 TWh and 142 TWh respectively. Given that Zambia has a similar climate due to its tropical location, investing in solar power would be particularly beneficial. Additionally, exploring the possibility of nuclear power as done by the United States and France, generating 775 TWh and 319 TWh respectively, could hold untapped potential. Investment in such low-carbon and clean alternatives would undoubtedly boost Zambia's electricity generation while remaining environmentally conscious.
When examining the history of low-carbon electricity in Zambia, its commitment to hydropower has remained consistent over the years. From the 1980s to the 2000s, changes in hydropower production fluctuated from moderate increases, such as the 0.7 TWh addition in 1981, to slight declines, like the 2 TWh drop in 2016. Despite these ebbs and flows, Zambia's focus on hydropower persisted, contributing to the majority of its electricity generation. In recent years, Zambia's dedication to bolstering its hydropower capabilities has been pronounced with a marked increase of 3.3 TWh in 2021, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to low-carbon energy. Despite the ups and downs, the country's use of hydropower has far outweighed the exploration of other clean energy alternatives like wind or nuclear power.