As of 2023, Angola's electricity consumption landscape is primarily dominated by low-carbon sources. More than three-quarters of the electricity consumed in the country, specifically around 76%, comes from low-carbon energy, with hydropower being the prevalent source at approximately 74%. This is indicative of Angola's significant reliance on clean energy, which not only supports sustainable practices but also reduces carbon emissions in line with global environmental goals. However, fossil fuels still contribute to nearly a quarter of the electricity mix, with gas accounting for roughly 9% and the remainder mostly coming from a minimal solar contribution of around 2%.

Is Electricity Growing in Angola?

In terms of growth, Angola's electricity consumption has seen a slight decline in recent years. The latest available data reports electricity consumption at 488 kWh per person, which marks a decrease from the previous high of 503 kWh per person recorded in 2020. This change, although not drastic, is disappointing, reflecting a small contraction of about 14 kWh per person. Low-carbon electricity generation has also experienced a minor decline, dropping from 380 kWh per person in 2020 to 373 kWh per person in 2023. Such a trend is concerning and highlights the necessity for renewed focuses on expanding clean energy capacity to support Angola’s future growth and meet rising demands.

Suggestions

To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Angola can consider diversifying its energy portfolio by emulating successful strategies from countries adept in solar and nuclear energy. Looking at regions like Nevada and California, where solar power constitutes over 30% of electricity generation, Angola can take advantage of its abundant sunshine to ramp up solar installations. Moreover, drawing inspiration from France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy covers over two-thirds of the electricity supply, investing in nuclear power can provide a stable, clean backbone for Angola's grid. These regions demonstrate that both solar and nuclear can substantially increase a country's green energy intake, providing a reliable and sustainable energy future.

History

Historically, Angola's journey in low-carbon electricity began with steady increases in hydropower since the late '90s, characterized by incremental capacity enhancements. From 1998 onwards, there were generally positive expansions, particularly pronounced between 2017 and 2020, when significant hydroelectric projects were commissioned, leading to substantial boosts. For instance, considerable growth was noted in 2017 and 2019, with hydropower output jumping by 1.8 and 2.8 TWh respectively. In 2022, the introduction of solar energy also marked a new chapter for Angola’s clean energy sector. Given these past achievements, Angola possesses a solid foundation upon which to further develop its low-carbon electricity capabilities, making it poised to become a regional leader in sustainable energy generation.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade