In the year 2023, electricity consumption in Somalia is notably low, with roughly 23 kWh per person. This figure is significantly below the global average of 3781 kWh per person, suggesting that electricity availability in Somalia is close to none compared to many other nations. Almost all of Somalia's electricity is generated from fossil fuels, with only a small fraction, approximately 4 kWh per person, coming from low-carbon energy sources. This dependency on fossil fuels not only contributes to pollution and climate change but also signifies a dire need for transformation towards more sustainable energy. The limited electricity generation in Somalia impedes economic development, affects health outcomes, and restricts access to modern amenities and educational resources, highlighting the urgency for expanding its clean energy supply.
Is Electricity Growing in Somalia?
Despite the global trend towards increased energy consumption, Somalia's electricity generation has decreased over the years, with the latest figures showing a significant decline from the country's peak record in 1993 of 45 kWh per person to 23 kWh per person in 2023. This decrease of 22 kWh per person indicates a regression in electrical access and usage. Moreover, the generation of low-carbon electricity in Somalia has stagnated, as evidenced by the unchanged record of 4 kWh per person from 2022 to 2023. Such stagnation is concerning and points to the need for strategic planning and investments to invigorate the growth of sustainable electricity generation in the country.
Suggestions
For Somalia to enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, it should focus on expanding current solar capabilities, as solar power already provides a foundation in the region. Additionally, Somalia can draw lessons from successful regions. The People's Republic of China, for example, has achieved considerable progress in both wind and solar power, generating 1093 TWh and 890 TWh respectively, showcasing that substantial growth in clean energy is achievable with the right policies and incentives. Nuclear energy, as exemplified by France and states in the United States, offers a steady and efficient low-carbon option, capable of providing large-scale generation which could sustainably meet a significant portion of Somalia's electricity needs. By integrating solar and exploring nuclear energy, Somalia can aim to dramatically increase its clean electricity output and move towards a more sustainable energy future.
History
Throughout the years, Somalia's history of low-carbon electricity generation has been characterized by consistent stagnation. From 2016 to 2023, records show no measurable increases in solar or wind energy generation. This stagnation is worrying as it reflects a lack of progress towards embracing cleaner electricity sources, despite the technical readiness of solar and wind technologies. The consistent zero change in TWh for both wind and solar power underlines the need for active intervention to accelerate the growth of low-carbon electricity in Somalia. In contrast to other regions that have leveraged the potential of solar and wind energy, Somalia's consistent inactivity in this sector stands as a missed opportunity for sustainable development. Moving forward, adaptive measures must be taken to harness these resources effectively.