Electricity in Guinea-Bissau in 2022
In 2022, Guinea-Bissau's electricity consumption stood at around 38 kWh per person, a figure that is significantly lower than the global average of 3,781 kWh per person. This vast disparity indicates that the country is grappling with underdevelopment in its electricity sector. The absence of low-carbon electricity sources, with 0 kWh per person generated from clean energies like solar or wind, indicates a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, even if actual fossil fuel usage might also be low due to the overall low levels of electricity consumption. Such low levels of electricity generation can severely impact economic growth, access to essential services, and overall quality of life, as electrification remains a critical component for development and improving living standards.
Is Electricity Growing in Guinea-Bissau?
Analyzing the growth trend within Guinea-Bissau's electricity sector, the figures reveal a slight decline rather than expansion. The highest recorded consumption was in 2016 at 44 kWh per person, which means a reduction of approximately 14% by 2022. Furthermore, with no improvement in low-carbon electricity generation since the year 2000, there is a concerning stagnation in the development of sustainable energy sources. This lack of progress raises troubling questions about the country's ability to meet rising energy demands and transition towards greener energy solutions, which are increasingly vital in the face of global climate change.
Suggestions
To address these challenges, Guinea-Bissau can learn from regions that have successfully increased low-carbon electricity generation. The People's Republic of China and India, for instance, have demonstrated significant advances in both wind and solar energy, with China generating an impressive 890 TWh from solar energy. Similarly, Brazil has made noteworthy strides with 111 TWh generated from wind. Guinea-Bissau, endowed with abundant sunshine, could prioritize solar energy development as seen in countries like India and Germany. Additionally, exploring the potential of nuclear power by studying the practices in France and the United States could offer a stable and clean energy supply. Implementing policies that encourage investment in solar and potentially nuclear energy will be imperative for ensuring sustainable development and reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
History
Reflecting on the historical development of low-carbon electricity in Guinea-Bissau, past decades have shown no growth, evident from the consistent record of 0 kWh per person from 2000 to 2022. This prolonged stagnation underscores the urgent necessity for a strategic shift towards clean energy sources. Failure to diversify the energy mix has likely contributed to persisting issues in electricity access and quality, reflecting a broader pattern of energy challenges that are common in various other small, developing nations. By prioritizing the deployment of solar and nuclear technologies, Guinea-Bissau can break away from this long-standing inertia and embark on a path toward sustainable energy independence and economic advancement.