The current state of electricity consumption in Brunei, as of 2023, is completely reliant on fossil fuels, with no significant contribution from low-carbon or clean energy sources. The vast majority, more than 75%, of Brunei's electricity is generated from natural gas, with coal accounting for about 22%. This complete dependency on fossil fuels emphasizes the environmental challenges the country faces, such as climate change and air pollution. The absence of any contributions from low-carbon sources like nuclear, wind, or solar energy underlines the need for Brunei to diversify its energy mix towards more sustainable options.
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Brunei could consider diversifying its energy mix by investing in nuclear, wind, and solar power. Countries with successful low-carbon electricity adoption offer valuable insights. For instance, the United Arab Emirates, which shares similar geographic and economic characteristics with Brunei, generates 20% of its electricity from nuclear. Denmark, by harnessing its wind potential, generates more than half of its electricity from wind energy. Brunei can learn from these examples by setting clear targets for clean energy adoption and investing in relevant technologies to harness its natural resources, ensuring energy security and sustainability.
Historically, Brunei has not made significant strides in adopting low-carbon electricity. From 2011 to 2018, the contribution of solar energy remained stagnant, with close to none of the electricity generation stemming from solar power. This lack of progress highlights the opportunity for Brunei to revamp its energy strategies to include low-carbon and sustainable options. The global shift towards renewable energy sources underscores the potential for Brunei to catch up by implementing supportive policies and infrastructure developments, fostering a greener and more secure energy future.