How can Djibouti achieve its energy goals?

Djibouti’s substantial potential for geothermal electricity generation, along with its rising capacity to produce energy from wind and solar power plants, should help the country reach its goals in coming years. In addition to the growing need for generation capacity, the expansion of renewable energy is key for Djibouti to diversify its economy.

Will Djibouti become the first African country to meet 100% electricity demand?

The authorities have announced plans to transform Djibouti into the first African country to fulfil 100% of its electricity demand from clean energy sources by the close of the plan in 2035. The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources formulates policies for the sector and regulates the electricity market.

How much electricity does Djibouti produce in 2021?

Djibouti produced 654,062 MWh of electricity in 2021, according to figures from the Central Bank of Djibouti, representing a 4.3% increase relative to 2020. Improving domestic energy production will require the government to direct private investment towards electricity generation.

How is Djibouti reducing its dependence on imported power?

Djibouti is also working to reduce its dependence on imported power by investing in domestic production and diversifying its energy mix. The government has ambitious plans to become the first country in Africa to fulfil 100% of its electricity demand from clean energy sources while also extending the power grid to reach 100% of the population.

Does Djibouti have solar energy?

Djibouti has significant solar energy potential, with an estimated average daily global horizontal irradiance of 4.5 to 7.3 KWh per sq metre across its territory. The construction of the first large-scale solar generation project began in November 2022 in the Gran Bara Desert, which is located in the country’s southern region.

Can Djibouti produce geothermal energy from urban waste?

To this end, US-based CR Energy Concepts, in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, launched a project in 2019 to produce 35 MWh of baseload electricity from urban waste. Exploration of Djibouti’s geothermal potential began in the 1970s, but progress in subsequent decades was slow.