In 2023, Sri Lanka's electricity consumption showcased a nearly equal split between low-carbon and fossil fuel-based generation. Low-carbon sources contributed just over half, at approximately 50%, while fossil fuels trailed closely behind at about 50%. Among low-carbon sources, hydropower led the charge, generating a substantial 35% of the country's electricity. Solar power was on the rise, accounting for around 10%, and wind provided close to 5%. This balanced energy mix highlights Sri Lanka's commitment to clean energy, with hydropower forming the backbone of low-carbon electricity, complemented by growing contributions from solar and wind.
Is Electricity Growing in Sri Lanka?
Unfortunately, Sri Lanka is seeing a concerning trend in overall electricity growth. The latest data for 2023 reveals a decrease in per capita consumption to 736 kWh, a decline from the peak of 771 kWh recorded in 2021. This decrease of 35 kWh per person signals a worrying stagnation, especially in a world where increased electricity demand is expected due to electrification and technological advancements like AI. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation per person also declined slightly from its 2021 peak, falling from 381 kWh to 371 kWh. This downward trend in both total and low-carbon electricity generation should be a call to action for Sri Lanka to reassess and boost its energy infrastructure to keep pace with future demands.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Sri Lanka should focus on expanding its solar capacity, which already contributes significantly to the energy mix. Learning from other regions with robust clean energy industries could provide valuable insights. For instance, Greece and Lebanon have successfully harnessed solar energy, generating 25% and 31% of their electricity from solar, respectively. Leveraging these examples, Sri Lanka can amplify its solar initiatives by adopting policies and technologies that efficiently capture and utilize solar power. Furthermore, embracing nuclear energy's potential is crucial, as seen in countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear power accounts for more than 60% of their electricity generation. Hence, Sri Lanka should consider diversifying its clean energy portfolio by exploring nuclear options alongside expanding solar projects.
History
Throughout its history, Sri Lanka's low-carbon electricity landscape has been marked by fluctuations, particularly in hydropower. Since the 1980s, significant changes have been observed, with notable increases in hydropower output recorded in 1984, 1993, and the early 2000s. The decade of the 2010s was characterized by variable hydropower contributions, with substantial increases in 2010 and 2013, contrasted by subsequent declines. More recently, hydropower saw a spike in 2021, only to decrease again in 2022. In 2023, Sri Lanka took significant steps towards diversification by significantly increasing solar capacity, marking a pivotal shift in its low-carbon strategy. This history underscores the importance of embracing a more diversified approach to low-carbon electricity, to ensure a stable and sustainable energy future.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.