In Sierra Leone, electricity consumption remains remarkably low compared to global averages, with the country utilizing just around 25 kWh per person in 2023. This is close to none when you consider the global average stands at approximately 3649 kWh per person. Most of Sierra Leone's electricity is derived from low-carbon sources, with only 1 kWh per person depending on fossil fuels, showcasing an admirable focus on clean energy despite the overall electricity being a small fraction of the global average. Insufficient electricity generation can severely limit economic growth, healthcare services, educational opportunities, and overall quality of life. This situation makes it crucial for the country to enhance its electricity generation capacity.
Data sources used on this page include EIA and Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Sierra Leone?
Unfortunately, electricity generation in Sierra Leone has not shown promising growth recently. On the contrary, the year's figures indicate a regress, as total electricity consumption has decreased from 36 kWh per person in 2018 to 25 kWh person in 2023. This drop marks a decline of 11 kWh. Similarly, clean energy consumption hasn't seen substantial advancement, with a minor decline in low-carbon electricity generation from the peak of 25 kWh per person in 2019 to 24 kWh in 2023. This static or declining growth rate serves as a significant barrier to the country’s development goals and underscores the need for renewed focus on expanding its energy infrastructure, especially in low-carbon sectors.
Suggestions
Sierra Leone can draw lessons from various regions worldwide that have successfully boosted their low-carbon electricity generation. For instance, China has made remarkable strides in solar and wind energy production, displaying robust capacities of 1114 TWh and 1093 TWh, respectively. For solar energy, Sierra Leone can look to countries like India, Korea, and Japan, which have developed substantial solar infrastructure with 153 TWh, 37 TWh, and 103 TWh of generation, respectively. In the realm of nuclear power, the United States and France offer exemplary models, generating 778 TWh and 371 TWh, respectively. Prioritizing investments in both solar and nuclear energy could set Sierra Leone on a path toward significantly increasing its clean energy output and enhancing its electricity access.
History
Historically, Sierra Leone's focus on low-carbon electricity generation has been consistent but limited, primarily relying on hydropower. From 2001 to 2019, hydropower capacity stagnated, with no real change reported except a marginal increase in 2010 of 0.1 TWh. The introduction of solar energy came in 2017, but it has yet to make a notable impact, with no additional growth reported through 2023. The reliance on a single low-carbon source, complemented by only minor progress in solar energy, signals that the nation needs urgent investment and diversification in its energy mix to meet its growing electricity demands. Envisioning a future enriched with clean energy requires both innovative policy engagements and strategic collaborations with global leaders in clean energy technologies.
