In Angola, the current state of electricity consumption reflects a major reliance on clean energy, with a notable emphasis on hydropower. Low-carbon electricity accounts for more than three-quarters of the country's total electricity, with hydropower alone contributing approximately 74%. Solar power, while having a smaller footprint, adds to the clean energy mix at just over 2%. Despite this, fossil fuels still play a notable role in Angola's electricity generation, contributing almost a quarter, with gas making up around 9%. The strong presence of low-carbon energy is a positive development, but the substantial share of fossil fuel use suggests there's room for improvement toward a cleaner and more sustainable electricity system.
Is Electricity Growing in Angola?
Analysis of electricity consumption trends in Angola reveals a concerning downturn in recent years. In 2023, the average electricity consumption per person was roughly 488 kWh, which is down 14 kWh from the previous peak year of 2020. A similar downward trend is seen in low-carbon electricity, which dipped slightly from a record of 380 kWh per person in 2020 to 373 kWh in 2023. This stagnation in electricity growth is worrisome in the context of increasing electrification needs and climate change imperatives. For Angola to meet future demand and contribute to global sustainability goals, reversing this trend and fostering electricity consumption growth, particularly from low-carbon sources, is vital.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Angola could draw valuable lessons from various regions renowned for their successful strategies in expanding clean energy. The widespread adoption and success of solar power in regions like California, Lebanon, and North Macedonia—where solar contributes to around 30% of electricity—demonstrate the potential gains from increasing solar investments. In terms of nuclear energy, countries like France and Slovakia rely significantly on this source, with nuclear power making up between 65% and 67% of electricity generation. Emulating such examples by expanding both solar and nuclear capabilities could substantially boost Angola's clean electricity share, reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, and contribute to a sustainable energy future in line with global best practices.
History
Historically, Angola's low-carbon electricity efforts have predominantly focused on hydropower. In the late 1990s, growth was negligible, with minor fluctuations in hydropower generation. However, the early 2000s saw gradual and consistent increases, with significant development occurring particularly from 2013 onwards. By the late 2010s, several sizeable increments in hydropower marked Angola's commitment to clean energy, culminating in a substantial boost of 2.8 TWh in 2019. More recently, in 2022, Angola made strides into solar energy, contributing an additional 0.4 TWh, while 2023 saw another 0.6 TWh increase in hydropower. This historical trajectory underscores Angola's potential to enhance its clean energy portfolio further by continuing to expand both existing hydro infrastructure and new solar initiatives while exploring the benefits of integrating nuclear power.
