In Fiji, more than half of the electricity comes from low-carbon sources, with clean energy making up about 63% of the country's electricity generation in 2023. Hydropower is the dominant source, accounting for over half of the electricity generated, while biofuels contribute roughly 10%. The remainder of the electricity, approximately 37%, is generated from fossil fuels. This shows a commitment towards a cleaner energy mix, although the presence of fossil fuels indicates room for improvement in reducing emissions contributing to climate change and air pollution.
Data sources used on this page include EIA and Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Fiji?
Despite the significant share of clean energy, electricity consumption per person in Fiji has remained relatively stable, showing a slight decline from the record consumption in 2019. In 2023, electricity use stood at 1244 kWh per person, just below the 2019 record of 1246 kWh per person. On a brighter note, low-carbon electricity generation has been on the rise, with 790 kWh per person in 2023, outpacing the previous record set in 2020 by 47 kWh per person. However, the slight dip in total electricity usage suggests a stagnation that needs to be addressed to meet increasing future demands driven by factors like AI growth and electrification.
Suggestions
To expand its low-carbon electricity generation, Fiji can look at successful examples from various regions worldwide. Solar energy offers significant potential for a sun-kissed nation like Fiji, with countries like Nevada and Lebanon generating around one-third of their electricity from solar. Additionally, the development of nuclear energy can provide a steady and reliable source of clean electricity. France, Slovakia, and several U.S. states have successfully integrated nuclear power into their energy mix, achieving low-carbon generation percentages of over 50%. Furthermore, regions like Iowa and Denmark illustrate the benefits of wind energy, although Fiji's focus should remain on the more feasible options of solar and nuclear power.
History
Historically, Fiji's low-carbon energy development has seen various shifts. During the 1980s, there was a notable increase in hydropower, which continued into the 1990s. The early 2000s marked the introduction and steady incorporation of biofuels along with hydropower stability. However, there were minor fluctuations as some years saw either no growth or a marginal decline. Notably, biofuels experienced a setback in 2022 but rebounded in 2023, while hydropower remained consistent. These trends highlight Fiji's dedication to a greener energy profile but also hint at the potential for enhanced growth through advancements in low-carbon technologies such as solar and nuclear.
