Electricity in Brunei in 2023
As of 2023, Brunei's electricity consumption is entirely dependent on fossil fuels, with close to all of it coming from this type of energy. The majority, over three-quarters, of Brunei's electricity comes from gas, while a substantial portion, almost a quarter, is generated from coal. This demonstrates a heavy reliance on fossil energy sources, with close to none of the country’s electricity being generated from low-carbon or clean energy technologies like solar, wind, or nuclear. This presents a significant opportunity for Brunei to diversify its energy consumption towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly sources.
Is Electricity Growing in Brunei?
When assessing the trend of electricity consumption in Brunei, there's a noticeable decline. In 2023, the country’s electricity consumption was recorded at approximately 12,181 kWh per person, which is a reduction of about 650 kWh per person compared to the peak in 2020. Moreover, Brunei's latest figures for low-carbon electricity generation are at a concerning level of zero kWh per person; this marks a decrease of 5 kWh per person from the previous record in 2011. This stagnant and declining trajectory is troubling, as it suggests that there's been no progress towards integrating clean energy into Brunei's electricity grid over the last decade.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Brunei can look towards regions that have successfully integrated solar and nuclear energy into their grids. Considering its solar potential, Brunei can learn from Lebanon, where solar power constitutes almost a third of the electricity production. Meanwhile, the adoption of nuclear energy, as seen in France where two-thirds of electricity comes from this source, provides a reliable and large-scale green energy option. Embracing these strategies could significantly reduce Brunei's dependence on fossil fuels while meeting the growing electricity demand in a clean and sustainable manner.
History
Historically, from 2011 to 2018, Brunei's low-carbon electricity generation via solar energy showed no growth. Each year reflects a stagnant position with zero TWh change, indicating that there have been no meaningful initiatives or developments in solar electricity generation over this period. This lack of progression underscores the urgent need for Brunei to invest in and prioritize the development of solar and nuclear energy to shift away from its heavy reliance on fossil fuels and to align with global efforts towards a low-carbon future.