In 2022, the electricity consumption in French Polynesia was predominantly reliant on fossil fuel sources, with more than half of the electricity generated, around 66%, coming from fossil fuels. The remainder of the electricity generation consisted of clean energy sources, comprising approximately 34% of the total. Of the clean energy sources, hydropower was the most significant contributor, providing about 27% of the electricity, while solar energy accounted for around 7%. This distribution highlights a significant reliance on fossil fuels, underscoring the need for a transition towards a more sustainable energy mix.

Is Electricity Growing in French Polynesia?

The data indicates that electricity consumption in French Polynesia has seen a decline over time. In 2022, the per capita consumption was 2533 kWh, which is a decrease of 387 kWh per person from the peak observed in 2010. Similarly, the generation of low-carbon electricity has also decreased, with 856 kWh per person in 2022 compared to 998 kWh per person at its peak in 2010. This reduction represents a decrease of 142 kWh per person in low-carbon electricity generation. These numbers suggest that electricity, particularly low-carbon generation, has not been growing in French Polynesia, posing concerns regarding future energy security and environmental sustainability.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, French Polynesia can draw inspiration from other regions that have successfully harnessed clean energy sources. For instance, Nevada and California have made significant strides in solar energy, generating 34% and 31% of their electricity from solar, respectively. Incorporating more solar projects could significantly enhance French Polynesia's energy landscape. Additionally, considering nuclear energy could provide a reliable and substantial share of clean electricity, as demonstrated by countries like France and Slovakia, which generate the majority of their electricity from nuclear power. Leveraging these successful strategies, French Polynesia can pivot towards a more sustainable and resilient electricity generation framework, minimizing the environmental and economic impacts associated with fossil fuel dependency.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in French Polynesia reveals a pattern of minimal growth and occasional setbacks. Throughout the early 2000s, the primary focus was on hydropower, with no notable increases until 2010, when there was a small uptick in hydroelectric output. However, this gain was reversed in the subsequent years, and growth in hydropower was stagnant, with no further increases in the following years. Solar energy generation similarly saw little forward momentum, with only sporadic, minor incremental developments from 2011 onwards. This lack of robust advancement in clean energy can explain why French Polynesia has not achieved significant increases in its low-carbon electricity generation, emphasizing the urgency for adopting more aggressive strategies for integrating solar and potentially nuclear energy into its energy mix.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade