Guinea’s electricity consumption in 2023 stands at more than 3 terawatt-hours of low-carbon electricity, primarily from hydropower, and about 1 terawatt-hour from fossil fuels. This clean energy forms more than three-quarters of the total electricity consumption, showing a commendable reliance on hydropower. However, the total electricity consumed per capita is still a mere 281 kWh, significantly below the global average of 3781 kWh per person. Such low levels of electricity generation can hinder economic development and access to modern amenities and can exacerbate energy poverty, impacting quality of life and the potential for economic growth.
Is Electricity Growing in Guinea?
Despite the importance of electricity growth for development, Guinea’s electricity consumption slightly decreased from its previous record in 2022. The current consumption of 281 kWh per person shows a decline of 3 kWh compared to the previous year. Similarly, clean energy generation saw a small reduction, with low-carbon electricity consumption per person dropping to 210 kWh from 212 kWh. This stagnation is concerning as it indicates challenges in expanding electricity access and capacity, which are vital for meeting growing demands particularly driven by increased digitization and electrification.
Suggestions
To expand low-carbon electricity generation, Guinea can draw inspiration from various successful regions around the globe. The advances in solar energy, particularly seen in India and Brazil, offer a viable model for Guinea given its high solar potential. Meanwhile, nuclear energy, as seen in the United States and France, provides a stable and substantial electricity supply. By investing in solar technology and exploring the potential for establishing nuclear energy infrastructure, Guinea can significantly bolster its clean energy supply, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and align itself with a more sustainable energy future.
History
Historically, Guinea has seen modest increases in hydropower generation, evidenced by sporadic growth over the years. During the late 20th century, gradual increments of 0.1 terawatt-hours periodically contributed to the expansion of hydroelectric capacity. However, fluctuations including minor declines, such as the dip in 2003, have periodically restrained progress. Still, the nation made notable strides in the early 2020s, with a remarkable increase of 1.2 terawatt-hours in 2021 and subsequent growth in 2022. While Guinea has made some progress in enhancing its low-carbon electricity capacity, continuous and more substantial investment will be crucial to sustain and further improve its clean energy landscape.