In 2023, American Samoa relied entirely on fossil fuels for its electricity consumption: fossil sources supplied 100%, while low-carbon sources contributed none in the supplied data. This leaves considerable scope to develop clean electricity, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and cut the associated climate-changing emissions and air pollution.

Is Electricity Growing in American Samoa?

Electricity consumption per person was not growing in 2023. It fell to about 3,600 kWh, down roughly 150 kWh, or 4%, from the 2022 record of about 3,700 kWh per person. Low-carbon electricity generation also declined, falling from about 210 kWh per person in 2022 to zero in 2023. These are disappointing setbacks, particularly as more clean electricity will be needed to support electrification and future demand. The consumption figures are per person, however, so they do not establish whether total electricity consumption declined.

Suggestions

American Samoa should prioritize expanding solar electricity, supported by battery storage and grid improvements. Nearby Samoa and Vanuatu, where solar supplies about 13% of electricity, offer relevant island examples, while the US state of Hawaii generates almost a quarter of its electricity from solar. Cape Verde, with about 14% each from solar and wind, also offers useful island experience for assessing local wind opportunities. Nuclear should be considered in long-term clean-electricity planning, including assessing whether emerging smaller designs could suit local needs. France, which generates about two-thirds of its electricity from nuclear, illustrates its potential contribution, although its electricity system is very different in scale from American Samoa’s.

History

The supplied historical series contains only one entry: solar electricity generation showed no change in 2022 compared with 2021, recorded as 0 TWh. This indicates stagnation at the precision reported, rather than evidence that solar generation itself was zero. That limited history does not establish a longer-term trend or explain the subsequent drop in low-carbon generation reported for 2023. Building a sustained record of clean-electricity growth should therefore be a priority.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade