In 2022, the electricity consumption in the Faroe Islands was marked by a dominant reliance on fossil fuels, which made up more than half of the total consumption at around 54%. Meanwhile, clean energy sources contributed approximately 46% of the electricity supply. Hydropower was the largest source among the low-carbon options, making up almost a third of the total, at 27%. Wind energy also played a significant role, contributing almost a fifth, with 19%. This distribution highlights an important potential for growth in the low-carbon sector, which could further shift the balance away from fossil fuels and towards a more sustainable energy system.
Is Electricity Growing in Faroe Islands?
Electricity consumption in the Faroe Islands is on the rise. In 2022, the total consumption reached 8,882 kWh per person, marking an increase of 819 kWh per person compared to the previous year’s record in 2021. The growth in low-carbon electricity generation is also noteworthy, with 2022 figures showing 4,071 kWh per person. This marks an increase of 187 kWh per person from the previous high recorded in 2015. This upward trend in both overall and low-carbon electricity consumption indicates a positive direction towards meeting growing electricity needs sustainably.
Suggestions
To further increase low-carbon electricity generation, the Faroe Islands can expand existing wind energy capacity. Similar countries, such as Denmark, have effectively leveraged wind energy to account for more than half of their electricity generation. Learning from these examples, the Faroe Islands could bolster its wind energy infrastructure. Additionally, exploring solar energy opportunities, as seen in Cyprus and the Netherlands where solar power comprises around one-fifth of electricity generation, could complement the existing wind power and further diversify the clean energy portfolio.
History
Tracing back the history of low-carbon electricity in the Faroe Islands, the early 2000s saw a stable phase without significant fluctuations in hydropower and wind energy generation. From 2002 to 2022, both hydro and wind power have maintained steady outputs, indicating reliability but also a lack of dynamic growth until recent years. This period of stagnation underscores the missed opportunity for growth in sustainable energy sectors. Now, the path forward involves embracing robust expansion strategies in clean electricity sources to drive a more substantial increase, mitigating the predominance of fossil fuels in the energy mix.