Eswatini's electricity consumption in 2023 presents a unique landscape. With more than half of its electricity being net imports, this underscores a heavy reliance on external sources to meet energy needs. Low-carbon or clean energy sources contribute over a third of the electricity mix, with hydropower accounting for about 20%, biofuels covering 14%, and solar providing a modest 2%. These figures indicate a successful dependence on sustainable generation methods, although the solar contribution remains minimal. Fossil fuels account for only a tiny fraction of Eswatini's electricity supply, with coal at just over 1%, showcasing a commendable shift towards eco-friendly alternatives and a move away from high-emission sources.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and Enerdata. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Eswatini?
Despite the emphasis on sustainable energy, electricity consumption per person in Eswatini is declining, moving from a record high of 1557 kWh/person in 2018 to 1211 kWh/person in 2023. This decline of 346 kWh/person signals potential concerns about access or economic challenges that might be restricting electricity use. Regarding low-carbon electricity, there has been almost no growth, slipping slightly from a record in 2013. The generation stood at 439 kWh/person in 2023, a small decline from 442 kWh/person, suggesting a need for further investment and development in clean energy infrastructure to reverse this trend and support future demand sustainably.
Suggestions
Eswatini has considerable potential to harness more low-carbon energy, particularly from solar and nuclear. Many regions around the world have seen success with solar energy, such as Lebanon at 31% and Chile at 24%. These countries demonstrate how solar can be a substantial part of a clean energy transition. Nuclear energy is also an excellent option for Eswatini to consider, given its role in countries like France and Slovakia, where it supplies more than 65% of their electricity. Drawing lessons from these regions, especially in solar-rich environments similar to Eswatini, can inspire strategies to significantly boost the country's clean electricity generation, supporting economic stability and reducing reliance on imports.
History
Reviewing the history of Eswatini's low-carbon electricity, changes have been relatively incremental over the decades. Since 1991, hydropower has experienced minor fluctuations without significant expansions, while biofuels marked some increases starting in 2000 but also faced year-to-year variances. Solar, a promising area for growth, has not yet seen a significant uptake, with energy contribution starting only recently and remaining flat as of 2021. These historical trends suggest that Eswatini should aim for bolder investments in low-carbon sources to not only meet domestic demand but also mitigate the effects of climate change and promote energy independence. Prioritizing solar and considering nuclear could mark a pivotal shift in the country's energy future.
