Electricity in São Tomé & Príncipe in 2022
The current state of electricity consumption in São Tomé & Príncipe paints a modest picture compared to the global landscape. In 2022, the average person consumed about 398 kWh of electricity, which is just a small fraction of the global average of 3781 kWh/person. When breaking down the energy mix, low-carbon electricity, primarily from hydro power, accounted for 44 kWh per person, while the rest was likely generated from fossil fuels. This limited electricity generation can lead to challenges such as constrained economic growth, reliance on expensive imported fuels, and less opportunity for modernization, which can further impact the quality of life and sustainability in the long term. Expanding low-carbon electricity is essential not just for environmental reasons, but also to enhance energy security and reduce dependency on volatile fossil fuel markets.
Is Electricity Growing in São Tomé & Príncipe?
Observing the trends, electricity consumption in São Tomé & Príncipe has unfortunately declined. From a high of 540 kWh per person in 2016 to 398 kWh per person in 2022, indicating a decrease of 142 kWh per person over the span of six years. The generation of low-carbon electricity also mirrored this downward trajectory, dropping from 69 kWh per person in the year 2000 to 44 kWh in the latest recorded year, 2022, marking a reduction of 25 kWh. This decline in both overall and low-carbon electricity consumption is concerning, as it suggests stagnation in the development of the country’s electricity infrastructure. It is crucial for São Tomé & Príncipe to reverse this trend and invest heavily in sustainable electric power capacity.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, São Tomé & Príncipe can look towards successful regions for inspiration and strategy. While São Tomé & Príncipe is unique, it can take valuable lessons from countries like Brazil, which has effectively leveraged wind and solar power to generate substantial electricity, 108 TWh from wind and 75 TWh from solar respectively. Although Brazil's scale might differ, the principle of harnessing wind and solar's natural abundance is widely applicable. Additionally, the ushering in of nuclear power, as seen in countries like the United States with its 782 TWh nuclear contribution and United Arab Emirates with 32 TWh, can ensure a steady and reliable supply of electricity. It's critical that São Tomé & Príncipe prioritize these technologies to foster a sustainable, clean energy future.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in São Tomé & Príncipe is characterized by a prolonged period of stagnation, with hydro energy remaining unchanged from 2002 through 2022. Despite the passage of two decades, there were no significant advancements or investments in increasing hydroelectric capacity during this time. This lack of progress in leveraging hydropower potential is disappointing, especially considering the global shift towards sustainable and low-carbon energy sources. By failing to expand clean energy infrastructure, São Tomé & Príncipe has missed key opportunities for modernization and energy security, opportunities that must be seized promptly to meet future needs. Learning from regions that have successfully transitioned their energy sectors can provide the roadmap São Tomé & Príncipe requires to invigorate its low-carbon energy delivery.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.