In Sri Lanka, the electricity landscape as of 2023 is nearly balanced between clean and fossil energy sources, with low-carbon electricity accounting for slightly more than half of the country's total electricity consumption. Among the low-carbon sources, hydropower contributes the largest share, encompassing about a third of the total electricity, while solar and wind energy make up approximately 10% and 5%, respectively. This balanced mix highlights an emerging trend towards cleaner energy sources, although there remains a significant dependency on fossil fuels, which supply nearly half of the electricity. Prioritizing low-carbon over fossil energy sources is essential to mitigate climate change and reduce air pollution for a healthier and more sustainable energy future.
Is Electricity Growing in Sri Lanka?
Recent data indicates that electricity consumption per person in Sri Lanka has slightly declined from its previous peak. In 2023, the average electricity use was recorded at 736 kWh per person, which is 35 kWh less compared to the 2021 high of 771 kWh per person. This trend raises concern as electricity consumption is essential for a growing economy and improving quality of life. Low-carbon electricity generation is also slightly down, with the latest figures showing a decrease to 371 kWh per person from the previous record of 381 kWh in 2021. While these reductions are not substantial, they emphasize the need for increased electricity generation, especially from clean energy sources, to support both economic development and environmental sustainability.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Sri Lanka can expand its existing solar infrastructure, given its already significant contribution to the energy mix. Emulating regions with successful solar and nuclear integration can provide valuable insights. For instance, leveraging the development seen in countries like Lebanon, where solar energy contributes 31% of electricity, can guide Sri Lanka in amplifying its solar capacity. Additionally, while Sri Lanka does not currently utilize nuclear power, the high percentage of nuclear energy generation seen in countries such as France (68%) and Slovakia (62%) suggests that exploring nuclear energy could offer reliable and substantial clean electricity. Collaborations and lessons from these regions could enhance Sri Lanka's low-carbon energy strategy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and fostering a sustainable energy ecosystem.
History
Historically, Sri Lanka has relied heavily on hydropower to meet its electricity needs, with notable fluctuations in this sector over the past few decades. In the early 1980s and 1990s, there were significant increases in hydropower production, exemplified by 0.9 TWh increments in both 1984 and 1993. However, this growth was interrupted by declines in 1996 and 2000. The following decade saw a mixture of rises and drops, with a notable increase of 1.8 TWh in 2010, which marked a high point later countered by a 1.3 TWh fall in 2012. More recently, while there was a decrease in hydropower generation in 2022, the country witnessed an encouraging bump in both hydro and solar energy in 2023, with increases of 0.7 TWh and 1 TWh respectively. This history underscores a persistent pursuit of low-carbon energy and accentuates the need for diversification, potentially through nuclear and expanded solar technologies.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.