Zambia boasts an impressive achievement in the realm of electricity generation, with no less than 89% of its electricity coming from low-carbon sources. This primarily includes hydropower, which accounts for almost 88% of the nation's electricity, showcasing Zambia's ability to harness its natural water resources for clean electricity generation. Fossil fuels, mainly coal, contribute around 11% to the mix, but the overarching dominance of low-carbon electricity places Zambia among the environmentally-conscious nations striving to reduce carbon emissions. Furthermore, by being a significant net exporter of electricity, Zambia aids neighboring regions in lowering their carbon footprints, proving to be a key player in regional environmental sustainability efforts. However, to continue on this path, Zambia faces the challenge of electrifying other sectors like transport, heating, and industry, a shift that will demand a substantial increase in electricity supply.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Zambia?
Despite this strong foundation in clean energy, Zambia's electricity consumption has witnessed a notable decline from its historic peak. As of 2023, the average electricity use per person stands at about 939 kWh, which is far below the record consumption of 1638 kWh per person set in 1981. This represents a reduction of nearly 700 kWh per person, indicative of a concerning stagnation in electricity growth. Similarly, low-carbon electricity production per person has also declined, with the current generation at 836 kWh per person, down by more than 780 kWh from the 1981 high. These declines suggest a pressing need for measures that boost electricity consumption, ideally through further investments in clean energy infrastructures like solar and nuclear power.
Suggestions
To meet the increasing demands of electrification and stimulate growth in low-carbon electricity generation, Zambia can focus on expanding its solar and nuclear energy capacities. With an abundance of sunshine throughout the year, solar energy presents a substantial opportunity for Zambia to generate sustainable electricity while minimizing environmental impacts. Simultaneously, investing in nuclear energy could provide a reliable and efficient source of clean electricity, supporting long-term energy security and stability. Encouraging both public and private sector engagement in these projects can drive innovation and create incentives to increase the overall electricity output, ensuring sustainable growth and greater energy independence.
History
Historically, Zambia's low-carbon electricity landscape has experienced fluctuations, primarily driven by changes in hydropower generation. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, hydroelectric output faced several ups and downs, particularly during 1987 and 1989 where there were significant declines. However, the early 1990s saw a resurgence with notable increase in 1990 and 1991. Fast-forwarding to the 21st century, Zambia witnessed a mixed trend of hydropower production. Despite facing some years of reduced output, such as in 2015 and 2016, the period from 2017 onwards marked a positive change with consecutive annual increases, culminating in a particularly remarkable surge in 2021 with a boost of over 3 TWh. This historical overview underscores the potential for future growth and highlights the importance of diversifying energy sources to safeguard against natural variability and ensure a stable, clean electricity supply.
