As of 2023, electricity consumption in Burundi stands at a notably low 36 kWh per person, which is significantly below the global average of 3662 kWh per person. This limited consumption reflects the country's modest capacity for electricity generation, with clean energy sources contributing just over half of the total electricity used. The remaining portion likely comes from fossil fuels, which can negatively impact the environment by contributing to climate change and air pollution. The dearth of electricity generates substantial socio-economic implications, such as limiting industrial growth, restricting access to modern amenities, and posing challenges for educational and healthcare advancements.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and Enerdata. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Burundi?
In recent years, electricity consumption in Burundi has witnessed a concerning decline rather than an increase. The peak consumption recorded was 40 kWh per person in 2019, but this has dropped by 4 kWh since then. Similarly, the generation of low-carbon electricity, mostly from hydro sources, saw its highest point in 2020 at 22 kWh per person, but now it has slightly decreased to 20 kWh. This trend is alarming as it points towards stagnation and potential regress in the country's endeavor to build more sustainable and reliable energy systems, thus exemplifying an urgent need for renewed focus on increasing clean electricity generation.
Suggestions
Burundi has much to gain by investing in low-carbon energy systems, particularly solar and nuclear, following examples set by prominent regions. China and the United States are leading with considerable contributions in wind and solar among these regions. China generated remarkable amounts of electricity using solar power at 1170 TWh and another 1130 TWh from wind in 2023, showing the potential of widespread adoption. Similarly, the United States is successful in both solar (381 TWh) and wind (462 TWh) as well as nuclear power generation (784 TWh), which could serve as a blueprint for Burundi. Investing in solar and potentially nuclear energy could help Burundi enhance its energy independence and sustainability while meeting growing electricity demands.
History
Historically, Burundi's clean energy landscape has not seen significant progression, as exhibited by the unchanged levels of hydroelectricity generation since the early 1990s. From 1991 to 2021, there has been no year-on-year energy increase or diversification in the energy mix beyond hydro and minor contributions from biofuels since 2011. These stagnant decades demand a keen strategy for engagement with new technologies and energy sources if Burundi aims to stride forward in the global commitment towards low-carbon transitions. With the global pivot towards sustainable energy, Burundi must too ramp up efforts in solar and nuclear energy to not only meet current demands but also compensate for past inertia.
