In 2022, the electricity consumption in the Cook Islands was evenly split between low-carbon and fossil fuels. Around half of the country's electricity was generated from solar energy, a testament to its commitment to clean and sustainable resources. However, the other half was still reliant on fossil fuels, which contribute to climate change and air pollution. This balance indicates that while some progress has been made in adopting cleaner energy sources, significant work remains to transition entirely away from fossil fuel dependency.
Is Electricity Growing in Cook Islands?
Looking at the electricity growth in the Cook Islands, there has been a downward trend in overall consumption. The latest figures show a noticeable decrease from 2018, with a drop of almost 300 kWh/person. On the bright side, low-carbon electricity generation has seen a positive trend. The most recent data shows an increase from the previous year, reflecting a small yet important step in the right direction for clean energy growth. However, the overall declining electricity consumption poses a challenge, as economic and societal growth typically requires increased electricity availability.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, the Cook Islands should focus on expanding solar energy, which is already a significant part of their energy mix. Learning from successful regions that utilize alternative low-carbon sources, such as Denmark and Iowa, which have substantial wind energy shares, and France and Slovakia, known for their nuclear energy dominance, could provide valuable insights. While wind and nuclear energy aren't currently part of the Cook Islands' energy strategy, exploring their potential could strengthen their clean energy portfolio considerably.
History
Historically, the low-carbon electricity timeline for the Cook Islands, particularly in solar energy, seems stagnant over recent years, with no significant changes from 2017 through 2022. Without proactive steps to enhance solar capacity further, such as investing in newer technologies or expanding current solar farms, the Islands may miss the opportunity to increase their share of clean energy. This status quo is concerning given the global need for cleaner energy solutions, underscoring the importance of strategic planning and investment in this sector.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.