Why is Benin reliant on electricity imports?

Benin is reliant on electricity imports for a significant share of its energy supply. Reform programmes, including plans for electrification, have been put in place in the country, where only 30% of the population had access to electricity in 2017.

What is the energy mix in Benin?

Energy in Benin has a diverse energy mix and takes several forms including: solar, wind, hydropower, biomass, fossil resources, and mineral resources. Out of this energy mix, about 60% of energy comes from biomass. Benin is also dependent on energy imports from Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire.

What is Benin's current energy situation?

This section provides information on Benin’s current energy situation with energy demand-and-supply scenarios. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), 41% of Benin’s population currently have access to electricity.

Does Benin have energy resources?

While Benin has many energy resources, it lacks the infrastructure both to convert these resources into electricity and to transport the electricity throughout the country. Energy resources in Benin and most Western African countries are not evenly distributed.

How much biomass does Benin use?

It is worth noting that final energy consumption using biomass in Benin was 46.3%, or 49.3% that of Mali's final biomass energy consumption (4175.8 ktoe), and that of Burkina Faso's (3915.4 ktoe).

How affordable is electricity in Benin?

In 2019, in terms of the affordability of electricity for consumers, Benin obtained a score of 81 out of 100 compared with the average value, which is 77.25 out of 100 . The government of Benin plans to continue its efforts to make electricity accessible to the population and ensure energy self-sufficiency .