In 2022, fossil fuels supplied about two-thirds of the electricity consumed in French Polynesia, while low-carbon sources provided the remaining third. Hydropower was the largest clean electricity source, accounting for about 27% of the total, followed by solar at 7%. This leaves considerable room to expand low-carbon electricity and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, helping address climate change and air pollution.

Is Electricity Growing in French Polynesia?

Electricity consumption per person remained below its historical peak rather than setting a new growth record. In 2022, consumption was about 2,530 kWh per person, roughly 390 kWh, or 13%, below the 2010 record of 2,920 kWh. Low-carbon electricity generation also fell short of its previous high: about 860 kWh per person compared with nearly 1,000 kWh in 2010, a decline of around 140 kWh, or 14%. These shortfalls are concerning as electrification increases the need for clean electricity, although comparison with a record alone does not establish the recent year-to-year trend.

Suggestions

French Polynesia could prioritize solar expansion, drawing lessons from other island regions. The US state of Hawaii and Cyprus each generate about 23% of their electricity from solar—more than three times French Polynesia’s share. Their experience offers useful examples for expanding rooftop solar and integrating it with storage and stronger electricity networks. Cape Verde, where wind supplies 14% of electricity, also provides a relevant island example for assessing local wind opportunities. Nuclear should be considered as part of long-term clean electricity planning, drawing on France’s experience, where it supplies about two-thirds of electricity. Any local nuclear proposal would require a dedicated assessment of suitable technology, electricity demand and island-grid requirements rather than simply copying a larger system.

History

The reported history shows limited sustained growth in low-carbon electricity. During the listed years of the early and late 2000s, hydropower recorded no change at the data’s stated precision. It then increased by 0.1 TWh in 2010, but that gain was reversed in 2011, followed by another decline of 0.1 TWh in 2013. Other listed hydropower observations through 2022 show no change at the reported precision. Solar likewise recorded changes rounded to zero in the listed years from 2011 through 2021; this does not mean solar generation was absent, only that the reported annual changes were small enough to round to zero. Overall, the figures underline the need for renewed, sustained growth in clean electricity.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade