In Afghanistan, electricity consumption in 2023 remains notably low, with more than half of the electricity being sourced from net imports, amounting to approximately 6.22 TWh. The total electricity use per person is around 173 kWh, significantly below the global average of 3649 kWh per person. Clean energy generation is a small fraction of overall electricity use, with low-carbon sources contributing only about 20 kWh per person. This reliance on imports and limited domestic generation capacity, particularly from low-carbon sources, underscores the challenges Afghanistan faces in achieving energy security and sustainability. The discrepancy between Afghanistan's electricity consumption and the global average may impede economic development, hinder modernization efforts, and restrict access to quality healthcare and education, which are all critically dependent on reliable electricity supply.

Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and Enerdata. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Afghanistan?

There has been a modest increase in electricity consumption in Afghanistan over recent years, with the current level rising slightly from 169 kWh per person in 2021 to 173 kWh per person in 2023. This change of 4 kWh per person marks a small but positive growth in electricity use. However, there is a marked decrease in the generation of low-carbon electricity, which has dropped significantly from its peak of 66 kWh per person in 1990 to just 20 kWh per person in 2023. This decline of 46 kWh per person highlights a worrying trend, as reliance on fossil fuels and imported energy grows while domestic low-carbon sources shrink, reflecting missed opportunities in expanding clean energy infrastructure.

Suggestions

To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Afghanistan can draw lessons from successful regions that have invested in solar and wind energy, as well as nuclear power. For instance, China's substantial advances in solar and wind technologies, generating over a thousand TWh for each, exemplify a robust pivot towards sustainable energy. With vast sunny landscapes, Afghanistan can take inspiration from India's 153 TWh of solar energy generation. Additionally, nuclear power could serve as a key component in Afghanistan's electricity strategy, similar to the United States and France, which successfully leverage nuclear for large portions of their electricity. Emulating these strategies by integrating solar and nuclear power could significantly boost Afghanistan's low-carbon electricity capacity, reduce dependency on imports, and support sustainable development.

History

The historical trajectory of low-carbon electricity generation in Afghanistan has seen fluctuations, particularly in hydroelectric power. In the early 1990s, there were minor declines, with reductions of 0.1 to 0.2 TWh annually from 1991 to 1992 and a similar pattern repeating towards the late 1990s. Promising developments occurred in the early 2000s with small increases, although these gains were inconsistent, often offset by subsequent declines. During the 2010s, hydroelectric generation experienced both upward and downward shifts, reflecting instability and a lack of sustained growth in this sector. Without significant developments or diversification into other clean energy sources like solar or nuclear, the overall contribution of low-carbon energy to Afghanistan's electricity generation remains minimal, highlighting the urgent need for strategic investments in clean energy infrastructure.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade