In 2022, fossil fuels supplied about two-thirds of the electricity consumed in French Polynesia, while low-carbon sources provided about one-third. Hydropower was the largest clean electricity source, accounting for roughly 27% of the total, followed by solar at 7%. Expanding clean electricity would help reduce the territory’s dependence on fossil fuels and the associated climate pollution and air pollution.

Is Electricity Growing in French Polynesia?

The latest figures do not show growth beyond French Polynesia’s historical electricity consumption record. In 2022, consumption was about 2,530 kWh per person, roughly 390 kWh, or 13%, below the 2010 peak of 2,920 kWh. Low-carbon electricity generation was also below its record: about 860 kWh per person, compared with almost 1,000 kWh in 2010—a decline of around 140 kWh, or 14%. These shortfalls are concerning as electrification and growing digital services increase the need for abundant clean electricity, although comparisons with record years alone do not establish the latest annual trend.

Suggestions

French Polynesia should prioritize expanding solar electricity, drawing lessons from island regions such as the US state of Hawaii, where solar supplies 23% of electricity, and Cyprus, where it supplies 24%. Rooftop solar, larger solar installations, storage and grid improvements could help increase its current 7% solar share. Cape Verde, which generates 14% of its electricity from wind, also offers a relevant island example for exploring suitable wind resources. Nuclear should be included in long-term clean electricity planning: France generates about two-thirds of its electricity from nuclear, illustrating its substantial contribution to low-carbon supply. French Polynesia could draw on French expertise to assess nuclear options appropriate to its electricity needs, alongside accelerated solar development.

History

The reported history shows little change in hydropower generation during the listed years of the 2000s, followed by larger fluctuations in the early 2010s. Hydropower increased by about 0.1 TWh in 2010, but that gain was reversed in 2011, and another decline of about 0.1 TWh followed in 2013. Later listed hydropower changes, including those in 2014, 2018, 2021 and 2022, were recorded as zero. Solar changes were likewise recorded as zero in the listed years from 2011 through 2021; these rounded figures do not necessarily mean that no development occurred. Overall, the available history highlights the need for a stronger, sustained expansion of clean electricity generation.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade