As of 2023, Fiji is making commendable strides towards integrating low-carbon energy into its electricity consumption. More than half of its electricity comes from clean sources, with hydropower being the primary contributor, accounting for around 52% of the total electricity production. Biofuels add almost a tenth to the clean energy mix, but a significant portion, over a third, of Fiji's electricity still comes from fossil fuels. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Fiji to further transition towards sustainable energy and reduce its carbon footprint.
Data sources used on this page include EIA and Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Fiji?
The growth of electricity consumption in Fiji has been relatively static recently, indicating a slight decline rather than growth. In 2023, Fiji's electricity consumption reached 1244 kWh per person, marking a small decrease from the historic high of 1246 kWh per person in 2019. Despite this slight reduction, there is a silver lining in the form of an increase in low-carbon electricity generation. The latest figures reveal a significant rise in clean electricity generation, with 790 kWh per person in 2023 compared to 743 kWh in 2020, showcasing a positive trend towards more environmentally friendly energy production.
Suggestions
For Fiji to boost its low-carbon electricity generation, solar and nuclear energy expansion could be key pathways. Countries like France and states such as New Hampshire have relied heavily on nuclear energy, generating around 70% and 54% of their electricity from this clean source, respectively. Meanwhile, regions like Nevada and Hawaii have achieved solar electricity generation levels close to a third and more than a fifth of their total consumption. By focusing on solar energy development and exploring the potential of nuclear power, Fiji can learn from these examples to enhance its clean electricity share, decrease reliance on fossil fuels, and ensure a greener future.
History
Fiji's history with low-carbon electricity generation reveals consistent but modest growth, particularly in hydropower and biofuels. Since the 1980s, hydropower has seen various increases, starting with a notable 0.3 TWh boost in 1984. Regular, albeit smaller, increments continued in the 1990s and into the 21st century. Meanwhile, biofuels began contributing to the electricity mix in 2000, with stable but minor increases over the years. Fiji's focus on hydropower highlights its commitment to leveraging its natural resources, a dedication that can now be complemented by integrating advanced technologies in solar and nuclear energy for a more robust and green electricity network.
