Electricity in Burkina Faso in 2023
In Burkina Faso for the year 2023, the electricity consumption was quite modest. The country consumed a total of roughly 3 TWh of electricity, with net imports contributing more than half of this amount, at about 1.58 TWh. Fossil fuels were responsible for around 1.43 TWh, and clean, low-carbon sources contributed a very small portion. This clearly shows that Burkina Faso relies heavily on fossil and imported power, with minimal low-carbon energy adoption, mostly due to solar and biofuels. When comparing this with the global average of 3781 kWh/person, Burkina Faso's figure of 144 kWh/person indicates a significant gap, leading to possible limitations in economic growth and quality of life due to restricted energy access.
Is Electricity Growing in Burkina Faso?
Examining the recent trends, it appears that electricity consumption in Burkina Faso is experiencing stagnation. The latest consumption at 144 kWh/person represents a slight decline from the previous record in 2021, which stood at 147 kWh/person. Similarly, when focusing on low-carbon electricity generation, there is a minor decrease from 14 kWh/person in 2021 to 13 kWh/person in 2023. Such stagnation in overall electricity consumption and specifically in the uptake of green energy is concerning. It highlights missed opportunities in transitioning to sustainable energy solutions that are crucial for future economic and social development.
Suggestions
To boost the low-carbon electricity generation, Burkina Faso could take inspiration from various successful regions around the globe. Countries like the People's Republic of China have demonstrated impressive strides with substantial solar and wind energy production, at 890 TWh and 1093 TWh, respectively. Emulating this approach, Burkina Faso could significantly benefit from expanding solar and wind infrastructure. Additionally, nuclear energy presents an unbeatable opportunity for large-scale low-carbon generation, as evidenced by its successful deployment in the United States, producing 781 TWh, and France, generating 363 TWh. By adopting these clean technologies, Burkina Faso can not only increase its electricity supply but also reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, keep emissions lower, and improve energy security.
History
Reflecting on Burkina Faso's history of low-carbon electricity generation, the data reveals a stagnation in the development of clean energy. Since the mid-1990s, the introduction of hydroelectric projects showed some potential, with small increases registered in 1996 and 1999. However, the subsequent years and into the early 21st century show negligible progress, marked by long periods of zero-growth in hydroelectric output and only minor ventures into solar and biofuels by 2018. This pattern indicates a delayed and limited commitment to expanding sustainable electricity production. Future policies should urgently address these gaps by prioritizing investments in robust, clean energy technologies like solar and nuclear, which hold significant promise for Burkina Faso's energy future.