In 2022, electricity consumption in French Polynesia showed a significant reliance on fossil fuels, accounting for approximately two-thirds of the total consumption. Meanwhile, low-carbon sources, chiefly hydropower and solar, made up about a third of the electricity generation. Hydropower dominated the low-carbon sector, contributing around 27%, while solar energy supplied nearly 7% of electricity. This indicates that while some strides have been made towards cleaner energy sources, the region still heavily depends on fossil fuels, emphasizing the urgent need for a transition to sustainable, green energy solutions to combat climate change and reduce air pollution.
Data sources used on this page include Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in French Polynesia?
Examining the current electricity trends, it appears that French Polynesia is experiencing a decline rather than growth. The 2022 total electricity consumption was recorded at 2533 kWh per person, which is a decrease from the previous peak in 2010, where consumption was 2920 kWh per person. This decline of 387 kWh per person underscores a concerning stagnation in the development of electricity infrastructure. Furthermore, low-carbon electricity generation shrunk from 998 kWh per person in 2010 to 856 kWh per person in 2022, a decline of 142 kWh. As the world moves towards greater electrification, French Polynesia needs to reverse these trends by expanding clean electricity generation to meet future demands.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, French Polynesia could take valuable lessons from regions successfully leveraging solar and nuclear energy. Regions like Nevada and California have excelled in solar energy production, generating one-third and nearly 30% of their electricity from solar sources, respectively. These examples illustrate the potential of solar investments in areas with abundant sunshine. On the nuclear front, France leads the way with 68% of its electricity coming from this clean source. Slovakia, Ukraine, and multiple U.S. states have also made significant strides in nuclear power generation. Emulating these regions by investing in solar panels and exploring potential for nuclear power could significantly enhance French Polynesia's low-carbon electricity capacity.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in French Polynesia indicates a relatively stagnant period until very recent initiatives. The early 2000s mostly saw no change in hydroelectric generation, with a brief advance of 0.1 TWh in 2010, before dropping back by the same margin in 2011. Progress in solar energy has been limited, with no significant growth recorded until recent years. The stagnant trends in both hydro and solar energy should be cause for concern and motivation for further development. The region now has a chance to harness its available resources and emulate the successful strategies of others to foster a more sustainable, resilient electricity generation system.
