Sierra Leone Electricity: Generation Mix, Demand and Emissions
Sierra Leone generated 210 GWh of electricity in 2024, according to Ember. Hydro was the largest source at 85.7%, followed by solar (9.5%) and other fossil (4.8%). Demand was 210 GWh and each kWh generated emitted 57 gCO2/kWh. These are annual statistics for 2024; they are compiled from national sources and are not real time.
Key Facts
- Sierra Leone generated 210 GWh of electricity in 2024.
- Hydro supplied 85.7% of Sierra Leone's electricity in 2024.
- Solar supplied 9.5% of Sierra Leone's electricity in 2024.
- Other fossil supplied 4.8% of Sierra Leone's electricity in 2024.
- Low carbon sources (nuclear and renewables) supplied 95.2% of Sierra Leone's generation in 2024.
- The carbon intensity of Sierra Leone's electricity was 57 gCO2/kWh in 2024.
- Sierra Leone's carbon intensity in 2024 was 90% lower than in 2000, when it was 589 gCO2/kWh.
- Sierra Leone had the 187th highest electricity demand among the 197 countries with Ember data for 2024.
Key Figures, 2024
| Measure | Value | As of / source |
|---|---|---|
| Total generation | 210 GWh | 2024 · Ember |
| Electricity demand | 210 GWh | 2024 · Ember |
| Demand per person | 0.02 MWh | 2024 · Ember |
| Net imports | 0 TWh | 2024 · Ember |
| Carbon intensity | 57 gCO2/kWh | 2024 · Ember |
| Power sector emissions | 0.01 MtCO2 | 2024 · Ember |
| Demand rank (countries with 2024 data) | 187 of 197 | 2024 · Ember |
Generation Mix, 2024
| Source | Generation | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Hydro | 180 GWh | 85.7% |
| Solar | 20.0 GWh | 9.5% |
| Other fossil | 10.0 GWh | 4.8% |
Year by Year
Ember annual statistics, 2000 to 2024| Year | Hydro | Solar | Other fossil |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 10.0 GWh | 0 TWh | 80.0 GWh |
| 2001 | 10.0 GWh | 0 TWh | 120 GWh |
| 2002 | 20.0 GWh | 0 TWh | 140 GWh |
| 2003 | 20.0 GWh | 0 TWh | 130 GWh |
| 2004 | 20.0 GWh | 0 TWh | 100 GWh |
| 2005 | 20.0 GWh | 0 TWh | 60.0 GWh |
| 2006 | 0 TWh | 0 TWh | 50.0 GWh |
| 2007 | 20.0 GWh | 0 TWh | 40.0 GWh |
| 2008 | 20.0 GWh | 0 TWh | 40.0 GWh |
| 2009 | 20.0 GWh | 0 TWh | 40.0 GWh |
| 2010 | 120 GWh | 0 TWh | 20.0 GWh |
| 2011 | 150 GWh | 0 TWh | 20.0 GWh |
| 2012 | 120 GWh | 0 TWh | 60.0 GWh |
| 2013 | 100 GWh | 0 TWh | 60.0 GWh |
| 2014 | 120 GWh | 0 TWh | 30.0 GWh |
| 2015 | 120 GWh | 0 TWh | 40.0 GWh |
| 2016 | 130 GWh | 0 TWh | 80.0 GWh |
| 2017 | 130 GWh | 10.0 GWh | 90.0 GWh |
| 2018 | 170 GWh | 10.0 GWh | 90.0 GWh |
| 2019 | 180 GWh | 10.0 GWh | 10.0 GWh |
| 2020 | 180 GWh | 10.0 GWh | 10.0 GWh |
| 2021 | 180 GWh | 10.0 GWh | 10.0 GWh |
| 2022 | 180 GWh | 10.0 GWh | 10.0 GWh |
| 2023 | 180 GWh | 20.0 GWh | 10.0 GWh |
| 2024 | 180 GWh | 20.0 GWh | 10.0 GWh |
| Year | Generation | Demand | Carbon intensity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 210 GWh | 210 GWh | 57 gCO2/kWh |
| 2023 | 210 GWh | 210 GWh | 57 gCO2/kWh |
| 2022 | 200 GWh | 200 GWh | 55 gCO2/kWh |
| 2021 | 200 GWh | 200 GWh | 55 gCO2/kWh |
| 2020 | 200 GWh | 200 GWh | 55 gCO2/kWh |
| 2019 | 200 GWh | 200 GWh | 55 gCO2/kWh |
| 2018 | 270 GWh | 270 GWh | 237 gCO2/kWh |
| 2017 | 230 GWh | 230 GWh | 274 gCO2/kWh |
| 2016 | 210 GWh | 210 GWh | 267 gCO2/kWh |
| 2015 | 160 GWh | 160 GWh | 181 gCO2/kWh |
Full year by year history for Sierra Leone, 2000 to 2024
Source: Ember (ember-energy.org), licensed under CC BY 4.0. Data as of 2024.
Sierra Leone Electricity FAQ
What is the main source of electricity in Sierra Leone?
Hydro was the largest source of electricity in Sierra Leone in 2024, supplying 85.7% of generation, followed by solar (9.5%) and other fossil (4.8%). Figures are Ember annual statistics.
How much electricity does Sierra Leone use?
Sierra Leone used 210 GWh of electricity in 2024, about 0.02 MWh per person.
How clean is Sierra Leone's electricity?
Generating a kilowatt hour of electricity in Sierra Leone emitted 57 gCO2/kWh in 2024, and low carbon sources supplied 95.2% of generation. That is 88% below the world average of 472 gCO2/kWh.