Swaziland

Index rank 80

Energy Sustainability Index Rankings

 2010  2011  2012  Trend
Energy Performance  53  33  73 
Energy Security  39  4  70 
Social Equity  75  70  75 
Environmental Impact Mitigation  42  42  55 
       
Contextual Performance  58  75  80 
Political Strength  72  71  72 
Societal Strength  62  82  80 
Economic Strength  40  55  74 
       
Overall Rank  57  43  80 
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Fossil Fuel Resources

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Key Metrics

Industrial sector (% of GDP) 46.9
TPEP / TPEC  (net energy importer) 0.51
Emission intensity (kg CO2 per USD) 0.89
Energy affordability (USD per kWh) n.a.
GDP / capita (PPP, USD); GDP Group 5,156 (D)
Energy intensity (million BTU per USD) 0.01
CO2 emissions (metric tons) / capita) 2.33
Population Access to Electricity (%) 50.0
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Index Commentary

Swaziland experiences a substantial drop by 37 ranks in the Index to rank 80 due to a decrease across the majority of the dimensions. Energy security drops most significantly driven especially by a decrease in the wholesale margin on gasoline and an increase in the 5-year energy consumption trend, which reversed last year’s negative growth rate to a positive one. This is however necessary as only 50% of the population have access to electricity, which also leads to Swaziland’s weak performance in social equity that further drops by five places. Swaziland underperforms in mitigating its environmental footprint compared to other countries with similar levels of energy intensity per capita, which leads to low scores in this dimension. Small deteriorations since last year are noted across all indicators. Political and societal strength remain constant. Swaziland still struggles with regulatory quality and effectiveness of government. The substantial drop in economic strength is driven by a decrease in macroeconomic strength and very low credit availability.

Trends and Outlook

A trend towards an increased share of renewable energy is both power (off and on-grid) and fuel (biofuels) sector is apparent and the development of a renewable energy strategy, independent power producer policy, and feed-in-tariffs are underway. Coal will continue to play an important role in the energy mix of Swaziland. The country has vast coal reserves and is considering a 300MW coal fired thermal power station utilising clean coal technologies which is expected to supply the country and allows export into the Southern African Power Pool. These efforts are expected to improve the country’s energy independence by reducing the heavy reliance on imported energy from South Africa as well as increasing access to energy access for all citizens while ensuring a good quality of supply. In addition, the country is looking to increase its strategic fuel reserves, enhance bulk purchasing (better prices), explore the possibility of setting up a petroleum products refinery as well as tap into the natural gas market in Mozambique. Policymakers need to: 1) support the adoption of renewable energy technologies and the development of incentives to enable market penetration; and 2) increase the budget for the energy sector to allow economic development and poverty reduction, for example, increased rural electrification and energy access, research and development, development of skills, and capacity building.