In 2023, Djibouti's electricity consumption profile is heavily dependent on imports, with more than 70% of its electricity being sourced from outside the country. Almost a fifth of the electricity consumed is generated from fossil fuels, which contribute to pollution and climate change. Meanwhile, close to 10% of Djibouti's electricity comes from low-carbon sources, mainly wind power, categorizing it as a clean energy in this context. This indicates Djibouti's current reliance on external energy sources and traditional fossil fuel-based generation, with relatively modest contributions from low-carbon technologies within the country.

Data sources used on this page include EIA and Ember. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Djibouti?

Examining the trends in electricity consumption reveals some concerns. Djibouti's per capita electricity consumption in 2023 was 616 kWh, which represents a decline from the previous peak of 633 kWh in 2021. This drop of around 17 kWh per person signals a downturn in electricity use, highlighting a potential stagnation in development. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation per person also saw a decrease from 62 kWh in 2021 to 61 kWh in 2023. This reduction in both overall and low-carbon electricity consumption should be addressed to better meet the increasing global demands for electricity, especially through sustainable sources.

Suggestions

To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Djibouti can draw lessons from other regions that have successfully integrated substantial amounts of clean energy into their grids. In particular, the adoption of solar and wind technology stands out as an accessible path forward. Djibouti could take inspiration from countries utilizing a high percentage of wind energy, such as Iowa (60%) and Denmark (59%), and with its abundant solar resources, emulate countries like Nevada, where solar power constitutes 33% of the electricity generation. Additionally, considering the global move towards diversified low-carbon sources, examining the success of nuclear energy adoption in these contexts is essential. Regions like France and Slovakia boast high shares of nuclear energy, contributing significantly to their electricity mix and demonstrating the importance of these technologies in reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

History

Historically, Djibouti's journey with low-carbon electricity generation has been relatively short and recent, focusing primarily on wind energy. Starting in 2021, wind power saw a slight increase, with 0.1 TWh added to the grid. However, the subsequent years of 2022 and 2023 did not witness any further growth in this sector, reflecting a period of stagnation which is concerning given the need to transition to cleaner sources. This stagnation should be counteracted with renewed efforts to expand low-carbon electricity production. The next steps should involve strategic investments and infrastructure development to enable sustainable growth in this sector, aligning with global trends towards increased clean electricity capacity to power the future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade