Electricity in Benin in 2023
In 2023, the electricity consumption in Benin remains strikingly low compared to the global average of 3781 kWh per person, with the country experiencing only 130 kWh per person. This consumption level is indicative of more than half of Benin's electricity stemming from fossil fuels, which contribute to the negative impacts of climate change and air pollution. Furthermore, almost the entirety of Benin's energy landscape remains untouched by low-carbon or clean energy sources, with close to none of its electricity coming from sustainable options like solar or nuclear power. Such low levels of electricity generation have severe implications, potentially hampering social and economic development, limiting access to modern technologies, and restricting overall quality of life improvements within the country.
Is Electricity Growing in Benin?
Despite hopes for betterment, the growth in electricity consumption in Benin seems to have stalled or even regressed. In 2023, the country reported a slight decline compared to its previous record in 2021, with a 5 kWh per person drop. Meanwhile, the growth in low-carbon electricity is modest, having increased from 1 kWh per person in 2021 to just 2 kWh per person in 2023. Although this is a positive shift toward clean energy, it remains a small step in a journey that requires more aggressive advancement. This stagnation or decline reflects a pressing need to reevaluate the strategies for electricity generation to meet future demands driven by electrification and the rapid growth of AI and technology.
Suggestions
Benin can glean valuable insights by studying regions that have excelled in low-carbon electricity generation. Drawing lessons from the People's Republic of China and the United States, Benin can invest significantly in solar and nuclear power as pivotal components of its energy strategy. China's remarkable success with solar and wind energy, generating 890 TWh and 1093 TWh respectively, demonstrates that harnessing solar power can be transformational. Similarly, the United States' leadership in nuclear energy, contributing 781 TWh, shows the potential of nuclear power as a stable, clean energy source. By learning from these regions, Benin can expand its energy mix and tap into the benefits of low-carbon electricity, fostering a more sustainable and prosperous future.
History
Throughout Benin's history, the development of low-carbon electricity has been notably slow. Since 1997, there has been a long period without any discernable growth in hydroelectricity, with years showing zero increase. The introduction of biofuels in 2006 didn't translate into significant changes either. Solar energy, though introduced in 2015, has shown no substantial growth decade after decade, despite being a potentially critical resource in the sun-rich nation. The data reflects a disappointing status quo, and while 2023 shows some solar contributions, the lack of substantial historical growth emphasizes the urgency for a transformative shift. Accelerating investments and advancements in solar and nuclear energy could dramatically shift Benin's trajectory, aligning it with a pathway toward environmental and economic sustainability.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.