Electricity in Faroe Islands in 2022

As of 2022, the Faroe Islands generates a significant portion of its electricity from fossil fuels, with more than half (about 62%) coming from these sources. This large dependency on fossil energy stands in contrast to the island's efforts in low-carbon electricity, which make up almost 40% of the total. Among low-carbon sources, hydropower leads the way, contributing around 26%, while wind power adds another 12% to the mix. This shows that while there are efforts to incorporate clean energy, there is still heavy reliance on fossil fuels, which brings about negative impacts such as climate change and air pollution.

Suggestions

To increase its share of low-carbon electricity generation, the Faroe Islands can focus on expanding its existing wind power infrastructure given its current success in this area. Learning from countries like Denmark, where wind power accounts for more than half of the electricity (around 53%), can provide valuable insights into scaling up wind energy. Additionally, studying Uruguay and Ireland, where wind energy makes up 35% and 32% of electricity generation respectively, could give practical strategies for enhancing wind infrastructure. The Faroe Islands could also explore the potential for solar power, inspired by countries like Yemen and Chile, where solar energy constitutes about 20% of their electricity generation.

History

Reviewing the historical data on low-carbon energy in the Faroe Islands, it's evident that hydropower has been a steady source since 2002, without any significant changes. Wind energy began contributing in 2004 and similarly has shown no annual variation. The consistent yet unvaried contributions from both hydropower and wind indicate that while these technologies are established, their capacities have remained static over the years. By strategically enhancing wind and exploring solar options, alongside learning from other nations, the Faroe Islands could advance towards a greener electricity future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources