In 2023, Eswatini's electricity consumption demonstrates a significant reliance on net imports with more than half of its electricity, approximately 62%, sourced externally. Interestingly, the country showcases commendable efforts toward low-carbon electricity generation, which accounts for about 36% of its total electricity production. Within this low-carbon category, almost a third comes from hydropower, representing 20% of the total, while biofuels contribute 14%, and solar power, although the smallest contributor, accounts for about 2%. Fossil energy use, particularly from coal, is minimal, constituting approximately 1% of the electricity mix. This indicates a promising trend toward clean energy sources, although there remains significant room for growth in domestic low-carbon energy generation.
Is Electricity Growing in Eswatini?
Despite these efforts, electricity consumption in Eswatini has not grown when evaluated per capita. In 2023, the country's total electricity consumption was 1211 kWh per person, a reduction from its peak consumption of 1550 kWh per person in 2007. This decrease of 339 kWh per person indicates a downward trend in overall electricity usage. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation, which currently stands at 439 kWh per person, has experienced a decline from its peak of 657 kWh per person in 2001—highlighting a reduction of 218 kWh per person. The decline in low-carbon electricity generation is particularly concerning and underscores the need for more substantial investments in sustainable energy technologies.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Eswatini could benefit from observing successful examples in other regions. Countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear power plays a significant role in their electricity mix (69% and 64%, respectively), can serve as models. Regions rich in solar energy like Lebanon, where solar contributes 31%, showcase the potential solar power holds for Eswatini, given its geographical advantages. Combining these insights could lead to the development of a balanced energy strategy, emphasizing the expansion of both nuclear and solar power, ensuring a stable, low-carbon electricity supply. This not only addresses the pressing issue of climate change by reducing reliance on fossil fuels but also supports the future demands of an increasingly electrified world.
History
In examining the history of low-carbon electricity in Eswatini, there have been periods of both stability and decline. During the early 2000s, modest increases were mainly observed with biofuels steadily contributing to the mix. Notably, during this time, hydropower faced minor disruptions, such as a slight decline in 2003 and adjustments in subsequent years. The introduction of biofuels in 2000 marked the beginning of broader low-carbon initiatives, but subsequent years saw mixed progress with occasional declines in biofuel contributions, particularly in 2009 and 2011. Further analysis of these trends suggests that while there have been fluctuations, Eswatini needs a more robust strategy and investment to enhance and stabilize its low-carbon electricity capacity.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.