In 2023, Brunei’s electricity consumption was entirely supplied by fossil fuels, with low-carbon electricity contributing essentially nothing. Gas provided about 77%—more than three-quarters—while coal supplied roughly 22%. The remaining small share was also fossil-based. This reliance on fossil electricity leaves considerable scope for clean generation to reduce emissions that contribute to climate change and air pollution.

Is Electricity Growing in Brunei?

Brunei’s electricity consumption per person was below its historical peak in 2023, rather than setting a new growth record. Consumption reached about 12,200 kWh per person, compared with approximately 12,800 kWh in 2020—a decline of 650 kWh, or about 5%. Low-carbon electricity generation was reported at zero kWh per person, compared with its modest record of 5 kWh in 2011. These comparisons do not establish the latest year-on-year trend, but they show disappointing progress relative to previous peaks, especially as electrification and AI could increase future electricity demand.

Suggestions

Brunei could expand clean electricity by prioritizing solar deployment and considering nuclear generation as a complementary source. Rooftop installations and larger solar projects could draw lessons from tropical regions such as Samoa and Vanuatu, where solar supplies about 13% of electricity, and the US state of Hawaii, where it provides about 23%. For nuclear development, the United Arab Emirates offers a relevant example of a hydrocarbon-producing country diversifying its electricity supply: nuclear provides about 20% of its generation. France, with roughly two-thirds of its electricity from nuclear, also demonstrates the potential for a substantial clean electricity contribution. Brunei could build local expertise, strengthen electricity infrastructure, and pursue international partnerships to support solar expansion and evaluate a suitable nuclear program.

History

The available history shows no reported year-to-year increase in Brunei’s solar electricity generation from 2011 through 2018: every listed annual change is zero TWh. Across both the early and later parts of that period, there was therefore no measurable expansion at the precision provided. These figures describe changes, not generation levels, so they do not mean solar produced no electricity throughout those years. Nevertheless, the absence of recorded growth highlights the need for a stronger, sustained effort to expand low-carbon electricity.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade