In 2023, Zambia stands out as a significant leader in the realm of clean electricity, with an impressive 89% of its electricity being sourced from low-carbon energy solutions. Hydropower dominates this sector, contributing almost 88% to the nation's clean energy, showcasing its commitment to sustainable resources. On the downside, fossil fuels still account for a small portion, around 11%, with coal making up almost the entire fossil fraction. Notably, Zambia is not only adept at using clean energy for its own needs but also plays a crucial role in aiding neighboring regions to reduce their emissions by exporting its surplus electricity. As Zambia looks toward the future, it faces the imperative task of expanding its low-carbon electricity capacity to electrify growing sectors like transport, heating, and industry—a move that will require substantial increases in energy production.
Is Electricity Growing in Zambia?
Unfortunately, the current data reveals a decline in electricity growth within Zambia. In 2023, the average electricity consumption per person was approximately 939 kWh, a significant drop from the peak recorded in 1981 when the consumption per person was 1,638 kWh. This decline of nearly 700 kWh per person indicates a challenging trend in electricity growth. Specifically focusing on low-carbon electricity, the generation amounted to 836 kWh per person in 2023, which is a dramatic decrease from 1,621 kWh per person back in 1981. This nearly 800 kWh per person reduction is a concerning indicator, suggesting that while Zambia has a substantial clean energy base, it needs to accelerate its capacity to keep pace with modern energy demands.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Zambia should consider diversified approaches with particular emphasis on solar and nuclear energy development. The vast and mostly untapped solar potential in Zambia makes solar installations an attractive choice for sustainable electricity growth. Meanwhile, exploring nuclear energy development could offer a reliable and consistent power supply, complementing the existing hydropower system. By investing in these technologies, Zambia can enhance its electricity capacity, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and meet the growing energy demands from industrial, transport, and residential sectors. Such advancements would not only secure energy resilience for Zambia but also strengthen its position as a clean energy hub in the region.
History
Throughout its history, Zambia's low-carbon electricity generation, primarily from hydropower, has seen fluctuations that shaped its present state. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Zambia experienced significant variances with declines in hydropower generation in 1987 and 1989, followed by a recovery in 1990 and 1991. The mid-1990s were relatively stable, though slight declines occurred in 1992 and 1996. Starting from the mid-2000s, there was a steady positive trend with minor fluctuations, including notable growth in 2006, 2011, 2012, and consistent incremental rises through 2014. However, challenges persisted with declines in 2015, 2016, and 2019, before witnessing a substantial increase in 2021 and modest growth in 2022. These historical shifts emphasize the importance of diversifying Zambia's low-carbon energy portfolio to ensure resilient and continuous growth.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.