In Eswatini, electricity consumption in 2023 predominantly relies on net imports, which account for more than half of the total electricity supply at approximately 62%. Meanwhile, low-carbon electricity generation makes up a substantial portion at around 36%, with hydropower leading the way at 20%. Biofuels, although relatively smaller, contribute around 14%, while solar power accounts for close to 2% of the total electricity generation. Fossil energy, dominantly coal-based, plays a minimal role, contributing merely 1% to the energy mix. This composition signifies Eswatini's reliance on low-carbon sources and imports, with a nearly negligible reliance on fossil fuels, marking a commendable step toward cleaner energy systems.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and Enerdata. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Eswatini?
Despite the robust reliance on low-carbon electricity, the overall electricity consumption per person in Eswatini has declined over the years. The latest data in 2023 indicates consumption at about 1211 kWh per person, which shows a significant drop of 339 kWh from the historic maximum consumption of 1550 kWh per person in 2007. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation per person has also decreased from its peak of 657 kWh in 2001 to 439 kWh in 2023, a decrease of 218 kWh. This trend reflects challenges in scaling up electricity generation and indicates possible hurdles in meeting growing energy demands and advancing sustainable development.
Suggestions
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Eswatini can learn from regions that have successfully integrated solar and nuclear power into their energy systems. Solar energy has proven successful in places like California and Nevada, where solar power contributes around a third to the electricity mix. As for nuclear energy, France and Slovakia set commendable examples with over 60% of their electricity generated from nuclear sources. Emulating these successful regions, Eswatini can harness its solar potential, perhaps drawing inspiration from geographically comparable regions like South Africa, which is scaling its solar and nuclear capabilities. By adopting strategies that prioritize nuclear and solar power, Eswatini can bolster its low-carbon energy infrastructure, reducing dependency on imports and addressing the decline in electricity generation.
History
Looking at the historical context of low-carbon electricity in Eswatini, the turn of the millennium saw notable developments in biofuels with a modest increase of 0.5 TWh in 2000. The early 2000s experienced some fluctuations in hydropower, such as a rise in 2005 followed by a temporary decline until 2013, when it began to recover. A period from 2009 to 2012 saw no significant changes in both biofuels and hydropower, signaling a stagnation phase for these energy sources. This pattern of fluctuations, especially in the early 2010s, hints at underlying challenges in sustaining continuous growth in clean energy output. Continued emphasis on integrating modern, more robust low-carbon sources like solar and nuclear into the energy mix is imperative for future stability and growth.
