Electricity in Brunei in 2023
As of 2023, Brunei’s electricity generation is entirely dependent on fossil fuels. Around three-quarters of the electricity comes from gas, making it the dominant source. Coal contributes significantly less, accounting for about a fifth of the electricity supply. This complete reliance on fossil fuel sources means there is no electricity generation from low-carbon or clean energy sources like solar or nuclear. The lack of clean energy options is a significant gap, especially as global awareness of climate change and the negative environmental impacts of fossil fuels continues to grow.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Brunei?
Brunei's electricity consumption has shown a decline compared to previous years. The latest figures indicate consumption of around 12,181 kWh per person, which is a reduction of approximately 650 kWh per person since the record levels seen in 2020. Additionally, the shift towards low-carbon energy has been nonexistent, maintaining a dismal 0 kWh per person. This marks a notable decrease from the 5 kWh per person recorded in 2011, showing that efforts to incorporate clean energy have not only stalled but regressed. This is concerning in a global context where clean electricity is increasingly vital for mitigating climate change and ensuring energy sustainability.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Brunei has numerous examples to learn from. For solar energy advancement, countries like Australia and California have achieved substantial generation, with solar contributing close to 20% and 29% respectively. Meanwhile, the potential for nuclear energy is demonstrated by France and Slovakia, where nuclear power accounts for more than two-thirds of their electricity. If Brunei implemented similar strategies, perhaps by investing in nuclear infrastructure and leveraging its solar potential, it could significantly reduce its fossil fuel dependency and make strides towards a cleaner energy future. By fostering partnerships with these experienced regions, Brunei could efficiently transition to a more sustainable electricity grid.
History
Brunei has a sparse history in low-carbon electricity development. From 2011 to 2018, solar energy generation showed no growth, maintaining a static level with zero development. This lack of progress in adopting solar technology over this period reflects a missed opportunity for advancing clean energy sources. Forgoing any investment or enhancement can be seen as a critical shortcoming, especially as solar technology becomes increasingly cost-effective and accessible on a global scale. To stay in step with international advancements and the drive towards sustainable energy, Brunei will need to reconsider its strategies and prioritize the integration of solar and nuclear energy in its national electricity framework.
