In 2023, Fiji's electricity consumption has shown a strong inclination towards low-carbon sources, with more than half being generated from hydropower. Over 60% of its electricity is derived from low-carbon technologies, which also include biofuels contributing a little over 10%. Despite these sustainable efforts, fossil fuels still account for close to 37% of electricity production, indicating that there is room for improvement in reducing emissions and transitioning further towards cleaner energy sources.
Is Electricity Growing in Fiji?
Based on recent data, electricity consumption in Fiji has seen a slight decrease. The consumption per person was 1244 kWh in 2023, slightly down from a historic peak of 1246 kWh per person in 2019. On the brighter side, low-carbon electricity generation has increased, reaching 790 kWh per person, which is an improvement of 47 kWh since its previous peak in 2020. While the overall electricity use has stagnated, it is encouraging to see growth in the low-carbon segment, which is crucial for sustainable development.
Suggestions
Fiji can enhance its low-carbon electricity generation by taking cues from regions that have successfully leveraged low-carbon technologies. Countries like France and Slovakia have achieved high levels of nuclear energy generation, an area Fiji could explore to complement its existing hydropower capacity. Solar energy is another viable option—regions like Lebanon and Nevada have made significant strides in solar electricity. Emulating their success could provide Fiji with a robust, diverse, and sustainable energy mix, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and bolstering energy security.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Fiji has been predominantly characterized by hydropower, with notable expansion periods in the 1980s and 1990s. During these decades, Fiji increased its hydropower capacity with modest increments, such as 0.3 TWh in 1984 and 0.1 TWh in 1990. The 2000s saw both highs and lows, with sporadic increases and slight declines in hydropower, while biofuels also began to play a modest role starting in 2000. In recent years, biofuels have contributed to the low-carbon mix, despite a brief setback in 2022, before recovering in 2023. Overall, Fiji's journey has been one of gradual growth in sustainable electricity generation with an eye towards minimizing environmental impact.