Electricity in Seychelles in 2023
In the Seychelles, the state of electricity consumption in the year 2023 primarily relies on fossil fuels, with these sources accounting for more than 85% of total electricity production. Low-carbon energy, encompassing clean and sustainable sources like solar and wind, contributes about 14% to the electricity mix. Solar power represents the lion's share of low-carbon generation, providing nearly 13% of electricity, while wind energy's contribution is relatively minor, at around 2%. This division highlights a significant reliance on fossil fuels and a pressing need to expand low-carbon energy to combat climate change and reduce air pollution in the nation.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and Enerdata. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Seychelles?
Remarkably, Seychelles sees a decline in its overall electricity consumption, with figures dropping from its record of roughly 4989 kWh per person in 2020 to about 4925 kWh per person in 2023—a reduction of 64 kWh per person. This decline extends to low-carbon electricity generation, where consumption fell from a peak of 717 kWh per person in 2022 to 704 kWh per person in 2023. Such declines are troubling, indicating potential setbacks in the country's efforts to transition to cleaner, more sustainable sources of electricity.
Suggestions
To address these challenges and bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Seychelles can focus on expanding its current solar capacity, given its established contribution to the electricity mix. Learning from successful regions can offer valuable insights. Countries renowned for their achievements in low-carbon energy, particularly solar and nuclear, can provide models to emulate. For instance, Lebanon generates about 31% of its electricity from solar power, demonstrating significant progress in this area. Chile, with its 24% solar share, stands out as an exemplar of effective solar energy deployment. Concurrently, Seychelles could also look at countries like France, where nuclear energy contributes to over two-thirds (69%), proving the viability and impact of a robust nuclear program in achieving low-carbon electricity generation. By emulating such success stories, Seychelles can pave the way for a more sustainable and clean energy future.
History
Historically, Seychelles has seen minimal changes in its low-carbon electricity generation, notably in solar and wind. In 2021, solar power witnessed a slight increase, generating an additional 0.1 TWh, while wind power remained unchanged throughout the same period. However, in both 2022 and 2023, neither solar nor wind showed any growth, reflecting a concerning stagnation that hampers the country's low-carbon transition efforts. This lack of progression in the recent years underscores the need for renewed focus and investment into these sectors to foster future growth and ensure energy security. By harnessing its solar potential and considering the best practices from successful regions, Seychelles can realize its clean energy ambitions and contribute positively to combating global climate challenges.