Lesotho's electricity consumption for 2022 stands at a modest 398 kWh per person, which is a small fraction of the global average of about 3781 kWh per person. More than half of Lesotho's electricity is generated using low-carbon sources, with the remaining coming from fossil fuels. This reliance on low-carbon sources such as hydroelectric power is commendable yet limited by the total electricity generated. Such low levels of electricity generation can impede economic growth, hinder educational advancements, and restrict access to modern technologies that are becoming critical in today's world, such as AI and electric vehicles.
Is Electricity Growing in Lesotho?
Examining Lesotho's electricity growth trajectory reveals a concerning trend. Compared to its highest record of 446 kWh per person in 2010, Lesotho's 2022 figure indicates a decline of almost 50 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has dropped significantly from its 2010 peak of 346 kWh per person to 210 kWh in 2022, a reduction of over 130 kWh. This decline in both total and low-carbon electricity generation is alarming, as it suggests a stagnation that could limit the country's ability to transition to a clean, sustainable energy future.
Suggestions
To boost its low-carbon electricity generation, Lesotho can draw lessons from nations excelling in this field. Solar energy is on the rise in regions like China and the United States, generating hundreds of terawatt-hours, a model that Lesotho could emulate. Additionally, the option to explore nuclear energy is compelling, given its stable and sustainable nature, as evidenced by countries like France and states such as Illinois in the United States, which generate significant amounts of nuclear power. By investing in solar and nuclear technologies, Lesotho could not only increase its electricity generation capacity but also anchor its energy future securely in low-carbon sources.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Lesotho predominantly features hydroelectric power. From the early 2000s, there has been modest growth with some fluctuations. Between 2000 and 2010, hydroelectric generation increased slightly, yet later years showed instability, with drops noted in 2011 and 2019, and the most recent decline occurring in 2022. This history underscores the need for diversification and expansion into other clean energy sources, like solar and nuclear, to create a steady and robust low-carbon electricity generation that can sustain future demands and contribute positively to the global climate goals.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.