As of 2023, Senegal's electricity consumption is markedly dominated by fossil energy, which constitutes almost three-quarters of the total electricity mix. Among these, coal contributes a small portion, about 5.5%. In contrast, clean and low-carbon sources account for slightly more than a fifth of the total electricity consumption. Specifically, wind energy makes up nearly 9% and solar energy contributes close to 7%. Hydropower adds around 3.6% to the mix, while biofuels supply just over 1%. Additionally, Senegal relies on net imports, which constitute about 5.7% of its electricity consumption. The current energy mix underscores a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, with a moderate yet crucial contribution from low-carbon sources.
Is Electricity Growing in Senegal?
Electricity consumption in Senegal is on an upward trajectory. The latest figures show that the per capita electricity consumption has grown to 472 kWh, up from a previous record of 453 kWh set in 2022. This represents an increase of 20 kWh per person, indicating positive growth in overall electricity use. However, despite the overall increase, the low-carbon electricity consumption has seen a slight decrease, with the latest statistic at 97 kWh per person, a decrease of 2 kWh compared to the previously recorded high of 99 kWh in 2022. This decline in low-carbon electricity use is concerning and suggests a need for more focus on sustainable energy growth even as total electricity use expands.
Suggestions
For Senegal to bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, the country could look towards regions that have successfully harnessed wind, solar, and nuclear energy. Given Senegal's rich solar potential, emulating Lebanon, where solar energy constitutes a significant 31% of electricity generation, could spark substantial growth. Countries like Uruguay, where wind power accounts for more than a third of their electricity, demonstrate effective utilization of wind resources, offering Senegal a model to increase its wind energy capacity. Furthermore, integrating nuclear energy into the mix could help stabilize and diversify Senegal’s energy portfolio. Looking towards France, where nuclear energy forms a substantial 69% of electricity generation, Senegal could significantly reduce its reliance on fossil fuels while ensuring steady, clean electricity supply.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Senegal has seen modest advances primarily in hydropower and solar energy. In the early 2000s, hydropower experienced minor growth with an increase of 0.2 TWh in 2002 and a further 0.1 TWh in 2003, but it has largely stagnated in subsequent years, with occasional setbacks as seen with a slight decline of 0.1 TWh in 2007. The more recent years have seen solar energy emerging more robustly, starting from 2017 with modest increments of 0.1 TWh up to 2019. The year 2020 marked the significant entry of wind energy into the scene with an addition of 0.2 TWh followed by further increments in subsequent years. This gradual development in wind and solar energy indicates a promising step towards expanding Senegal's low-carbon electricity capabilities, aligning with global sustainability goals.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.