In the Cook Islands, electricity consumption is currently balanced evenly between low-carbon and fossil energy sources. Half of the electricity, which is a substantial portion, is generated using solar energy, a clean and sustainable source. This mix shows a commendable shift towards environmentally friendly options, as solar power constitutes all of the Cook Islands' low-carbon electricity generation. However, the remaining half of the electricity is still produced by fossil fuels, which contribute to climate change and air pollution. This distribution underlines both the progress made and the challenges ahead in fully transitioning to low-carbon electricity.
Data sources used on this page include Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Cook Islands?
Examining the trends in electricity growth in Cook Islands reveals a concerning decline in overall consumption, with a recent record of 2720 kWh/person. This figure is a decrease from the 2018 record of 3015 kWh/person, marking a drop of 295 kWh/person. Despite this downturn in overall consumption, the Cook Islands saw a positive shift in low-carbon electricity generation, rising to 1360 kWh/person from the previous record of 1319 kWh/person set in 2021. While it is uplifting to see an increase in low-carbon energy contribution, the overall decrease in electricity consumption is worrisome, given the global trend towards more electrification and the increasing demand from technologies like AI.
Suggestions
The Cook Islands can enhance its low-carbon electricity generation by expanding existing solar infrastructure. As solar already comprises all of the country's clean energy, increasing its capacity could significantly boost green electricity production. Lessons can be drawn from Denmark's strong wind energy sector, where nearly half of electricity is generated from wind, and from Slovakia's strong reliance on nuclear power with 67% of its electricity sourced from nuclear. These examples illustrate the effectiveness of developing specific low-carbon resources to meet energy needs while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Cook Islands can emulate these successful strategies, particularly in solar and potentially nuclear power, to further augment its green energy landscape.
History
Historically, the Cook Islands have maintained a steady development in solar energy, with incremental changes occurring annually from 2017 through 2022. Each of these years saw no significant increase in solar electricity generation, indicating a period of stagnation. This lack of growth in solar power generation over the years highlights the need for significant investment and expansion to catch up with the global movement towards a more sustainable energy future. As other regions rapidly innovate and increase their low-carbon electricity share, it is critical for Cook Islands to invigorate their solar initiatives to ensure sustainable development and energy security.
