In 2023, electricity consumption in Sierra Leone is extremely low compared to the global average, with individuals consuming approximately 25 kWh per person annually. This amount of electricity usage is close to none, especially when contrasted with the global average, which stands at around 3781 kWh per person. Such low levels of electricity consumption can have significant impacts on the country’s economic development and quality of life, as access to electricity is critical for productivity, education, healthcare, and overall growth. The vast majority of Sierra Leone's electricity comes from low-carbon or clean sources, specifically hydro and solar, though the combined total is still far from meeting the population and economic needs.
Is Electricity Growing in Sierra Leone?
However, the current trajectory of electricity consumption in Sierra Leone shows a declining trend. The most recent data for 2023 reveals a decrease to 25 kWh per person from the previous peak of 36 kWh per person recorded in 2018. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation experienced a slight decline; from 25 kWh per person in 2019 to 24 kWh per person in 2023. This drop in overall and clean energy consumption is cause for concern, as it indicates a slowing or even negative growth in energy infrastructure, which is crucial for advancing the country's socio-economic landscape.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Sierra Leone can look to successful regions for inspiration and guidance. The impressive achievements in solar energy by countries like India and Brazil, which generate substantial amounts of electricity from solar power, highlight the potential of solar initiatives. Nuclear energy also remains a strong contender for sustainable growth, as exhibited by countries like France and South Korea. Sierra Leone could explore partnerships or investments in solar infrastructure, given its geographic and climatic conditions, and consider future discussions on nuclear investments to diversify and stabilize its clean energy mix, thus paving a path towards a more sustainable and responsible energy future.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Sierra Leone has been relatively stagnant, with changes only beginning to emerge in the 2010s. Between 2001 and 2009, hydroelectric generation saw no growth, maintaining a constant level. A small increase occurred in 2010, with hydro generating an additional 0.1 TWh, but since then, there has been no significant change in hydroelectric production. In 2017, solar energy entered the picture, marking a new beginning for low-carbon electricity sources, although growth has remained minimal thus far. Sierra Leone's reliance on hydro alone has not been sufficient, and the country would benefit greatly from diversifying its low-carbon energy sources with further investment in solar and possibly exploring nuclear, following the successes seen globally.