As of 2023, Congo - Brazzaville's electricity consumption is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with more than three-quarters of the electricity generated from fossil energy sources, mainly gas, which contributes nearly 74%. Low-carbon electricity accounts for almost a quarter of the total consumption, predominantly from hydropower, which makes up about 20%. The reliance on fossil energy is concerning due to its contribution to climate change and air pollution. Meanwhile, the existing hydropower resources highlight the country's potential to transition further towards cleaner energy sources by diversifying its low-carbon energy portfolio.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Congo - Brazzaville?
When examining the growth of electricity consumption in Congo - Brazzaville, there has been a positive yet modest upward trend. The total electricity consumption per person increased to 836 kWh in 2023 from a previous record of 815 kWh in 2022, marking an improvement of just over 20 kWh/person. However, the situation is less encouraging when considering low-carbon electricity generation per person, which has fallen since its peak in 2018 when it reached 226 kWh/person. In 2023, this figure is only 173 kWh/person, indicating a decrease of over 50 kWh/person. Although there is overall growth in electricity consumption, the decline in low-carbon generation is disappointing and underscores the need for increased investment in clean energy technologies.
Suggestions
To boost its low-carbon electricity generation, Congo - Brazzaville could invest in nuclear and solar energy, drawing insights from regions with successful implementations. States like Iowa and countries such as Denmark have effectively harnessed wind energy, achieving notable percentages of their electricity from this clean source. Meanwhile, France and Slovakia serve as shining examples of the potential for nuclear energy, with nuclear generation covering 70% and 66% of their electricity needs, respectively. Emulating a diversified clean energy approach, including wind, solar, and nuclear, could significantly reduce Congo - Brazzaville's dependency on fossil fuels and pave the way for a more sustainable energy future.
History
Historically, low-carbon electricity generation in Congo - Brazzaville has been dominated by hydropower, experiencing modest fluctuations over the decades. The early 1980s saw steady increments of 0.1 TWh, with intermittent reductions during the early 1990s. A notable surge of 0.4 TWh in 2011 indicates a period of heightened hydropower development. Despite this, some years witnessed declines, with the largest negative shift noted in 1999 at -0.2 TWh and again in 2019. These fluctuations emphasize the importance of diversifying low-carbon energy sources beyond hydropower to ensure consistent growth in clean electricity generation. Opting for a blend that includes solar, wind, and nuclear could facilitate a more stable and sustainable electricity framework for the country.
