Afghanistan Electricity: Generation Mix, Demand and Emissions
Afghanistan generated 990 GWh of electricity in 2024, according to Ember. Hydro was the largest source at 75.8%, followed by solar (11.1%) and other fossil (10.1%). Demand was 6.82 TWh and each kWh generated emitted 117 gCO2/kWh. These are annual statistics for 2024; they are compiled from national sources and are not real time.
Key Facts
- Afghanistan generated 990 GWh of electricity in 2024.
- Hydro supplied 75.8% of Afghanistan's electricity in 2024.
- Solar supplied 11.1% of Afghanistan's electricity in 2024.
- Other fossil supplied 10.1% of Afghanistan's electricity in 2024.
- Low carbon sources (nuclear and renewables) supplied 86.9% of Afghanistan's generation in 2024.
- The carbon intensity of Afghanistan's electricity was 117 gCO2/kWh in 2024.
- Afghanistan's carbon intensity in 2024 was 53% lower than in 2000, when it was 248 gCO2/kWh.
- Afghanistan had the 122nd highest electricity demand among the 197 countries with Ember data for 2024.
Key Figures, 2024
| Measure | Value | As of / source |
|---|---|---|
| Total generation | 990 GWh | 2024 · Ember |
| Electricity demand | 6.82 TWh | 2024 · Ember |
| Demand per person | 0.16 MWh | 2024 · Ember |
| Net imports | 5.83 TWh | 2024 · Ember |
| Carbon intensity | 117 gCO2/kWh | 2024 · Ember |
| Power sector emissions | 0.12 MtCO2 | 2024 · Ember |
| Demand rank (countries with 2024 data) | 122 of 197 | 2024 · Ember |
Generation Mix, 2024
| Source | Generation | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Hydro | 750 GWh | 75.8% |
| Solar | 110 GWh | 11.1% |
| Other fossil | 100 GWh | 10.1% |
| Coal | 30.0 GWh | 3.0% |
Year by Year
Ember annual statistics, 2000 to 2024| Year | Hydro | Solar | Other fossil | Coal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 310 GWh | 0 TWh | 170 GWh | 0 TWh |
| 2001 | 500 GWh | 0 TWh | 150 GWh | 40.0 GWh |
| 2002 | 560 GWh | 0 TWh | 110 GWh | 40.0 GWh |
| 2003 | 630 GWh | 0 TWh | 190 GWh | 90.0 GWh |
| 2004 | 560 GWh | 0 TWh | 170 GWh | 60.0 GWh |
| 2005 | 590 GWh | 0 TWh | 170 GWh | 60.0 GWh |
| 2006 | 640 GWh | 0 TWh | 110 GWh | 150 GWh |
| 2007 | 750 GWh | 0 TWh | 110 GWh | 150 GWh |
| 2008 | 540 GWh | 0 TWh | 110 GWh | 130 GWh |
| 2009 | 780 GWh | 0 TWh | 50.0 GWh | 60.0 GWh |
| 2010 | 750 GWh | 0 TWh | 70.0 GWh | 60.0 GWh |
| 2011 | 600 GWh | 0 TWh | 70.0 GWh | 100 GWh |
| 2012 | 710 GWh | 30.0 GWh | 70.0 GWh | 70.0 GWh |
| 2013 | 860 GWh | 30.0 GWh | 100 GWh | 120 GWh |
| 2014 | 970 GWh | 30.0 GWh | 50.0 GWh | 110 GWh |
| 2015 | 1.00 TWh | 30.0 GWh | 50.0 GWh | 100 GWh |
| 2016 | 1.02 TWh | 40.0 GWh | 60.0 GWh | 90.0 GWh |
| 2017 | 1.05 TWh | 40.0 GWh | 60.0 GWh | 110 GWh |
| 2018 | 930 GWh | 40.0 GWh | 80.0 GWh | 120 GWh |
| 2019 | 1.22 TWh | 60.0 GWh | 100 GWh | 80.0 GWh |
| 2020 | 990 GWh | 70.0 GWh | 100 GWh | 20.0 GWh |
| 2021 | 850 GWh | 80.0 GWh | 100 GWh | 30.0 GWh |
| 2022 | 740 GWh | 90.0 GWh | 100 GWh | 30.0 GWh |
| 2023 | 750 GWh | 90.0 GWh | 100 GWh | 30.0 GWh |
| 2024 | 750 GWh | 110 GWh | 100 GWh | 30.0 GWh |
| Year | Generation | Demand | Carbon intensity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 990 GWh | 6.82 TWh | 117 gCO2/kWh |
| 2023 | 970 GWh | 7.19 TWh | 119 gCO2/kWh |
| 2022 | 960 GWh | 6.84 TWh | 120 gCO2/kWh |
| 2021 | 1.06 TWh | 6.76 TWh | 110 gCO2/kWh |
| 2020 | 1.18 TWh | 6.33 TWh | 94 gCO2/kWh |
| 2019 | 1.46 TWh | 6.37 TWh | 117 gCO2/kWh |
| 2018 | 1.17 TWh | 6.16 TWh | 159 gCO2/kWh |
| 2017 | 1.26 TWh | 5.87 TWh | 133 gCO2/kWh |
| 2016 | 1.21 TWh | 5.54 TWh | 122 gCO2/kWh |
| 2015 | 1.18 TWh | 4.96 TWh | 127 gCO2/kWh |
Full year by year history for Afghanistan, 2000 to 2024
Source: Ember (ember-energy.org), licensed under CC BY 4.0. Data as of 2024.
Afghanistan Electricity FAQ
What is the main source of electricity in Afghanistan?
Hydro was the largest source of electricity in Afghanistan in 2024, supplying 75.8% of generation, followed by solar (11.1%) and other fossil (10.1%). Figures are Ember annual statistics.
How much electricity does Afghanistan use?
Afghanistan used 6.82 TWh of electricity in 2024, about 0.16 MWh per person.
How clean is Afghanistan's electricity?
Generating a kilowatt hour of electricity in Afghanistan emitted 117 gCO2/kWh in 2024, and low carbon sources supplied 86.9% of generation. That is 75% below the world average of 472 gCO2/kWh.
Does Afghanistan import electricity?
Yes. Afghanistan imported 5.83 TWh more electricity than it exported in 2024.