Electricity in Fiji in 2022

In 2022, the state of electricity consumption in Fiji shows a relatively good blend of low-carbon and fossil energy sources. More than half of Fiji's electricity supply—around 60%—is generated from low-carbon sources. This category is predominantly led by hydropower, which accounts for about 55% of the total electricity generation. Biofuels contribute a smaller share of around 4% to the clean energy mix. Despite these positive figures, close to 40% of Fiji's electricity still comes from fossil fuels, which contribute to climate change and air pollution. This indicates a significant opportunity for Fiji to further shift towards low-carbon electricity sources to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.

Suggestions

To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Fiji can consider adopting strategies that have been successful in other countries. Emphasizing wind and solar energy can be beneficial, drawing on lessons from countries like Denmark, which generates nearly 60% of its electricity from wind, and Chile, where solar accounts for about 21%. These are examples of regions that effectively harness these clean energy sources to reach substantial portions of their energy mix. For small island developing states like Fiji, the adoption of solar energy is particularly promising given the ample sunlight available throughout the year. Integrating technologies and policies that support these kinds of low-carbon energy could significantly bolster Fiji's sustainability goals.

History

The historical development of low-carbon electricity in Fiji reveals a steady reliance on hydropower with incremental contributions from other clean sources. In the mid-1980s, specifically 1984, hydropower output saw an increase of 0.3 TWh. Throughout the late 1990s to the early 2000s, there were modest but consistent increments in hydropower and biofuels generation, with an increase of 0.1 TWh in biofuels in 2000 and a similar rise in hydropower in 2001. However, there have been years, such as 2003 and 2010, where hydropower generation slightly declined by 0.1 TWh, indicating times of stagnation. More recently, in the 2010s, hydropower again saw increases in specific years like 2012 and 2016, emphasizing ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance low-carbon energy production. These historical patterns suggest a longstanding commitment to clean energy, although there is room for further growth and diversification in low-carbon sources.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources