The current state of electricity consumption in French Polynesia reveals a reliance on fossil fuels, as they account for more than half of the electricity generation, at approximately 66%. On a more positive note, low-carbon energy sources collectively contribute to nearly 34% of the electricity consumption, with hydropower being the dominant clean energy type at about 27%. Solar energy, though currently a minor contributor, adds around 7% to the overall mix. The incorporation of low-carbon sources underscores French Polynesia's efforts towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly electricity system, but there's a clear pathway for further improvement by expanding the use of clean energy sources like solar and potentially considering nuclear energy options.
Is Electricity Growing in French Polynesia?
Electricity consumption in French Polynesia has faced some setbacks, as the latest figures from 2022 show a decline in per-person electricity use, at 2532 kWh, compared to the historical peak of 2920 kWh/person in 2010. This reduction of 387 kWh/person indicates a downward trend, which raises concerns about the adequacy of electricity provision to meet the growing needs of electrification and technological advancements, including AI. Similarly, the low-carbon electricity generation has also experienced a minor decline, with recent production at 856 kWh per person compared to 998 kWh in 2010. Such a reduction of 142 kWh/person is worrisome, especially when striving for a cleaner energy transition.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, French Polynesia can draw inspiration from various countries that have successfully expanded their clean energy usage. Countries like Chile and Lebanon have leveraged solar energy effectively, with solar comprising over 20% of their energy mix. These examples provide a compelling case for French Polynesia to increase its solar energy capacity, given its abundant sunlight. Additionally, while large-scale nuclear projects might not be feasible yet due to the geographic and size constraints of the archipelago, considering potential partnerships or technology transfers with leading nuclear energy countries like France could lay the groundwork for future cleaner energy expansion.
History
In the early 2000s, low-carbon electricity in French Polynesia saw negligible variations in hydropower generation, except for a brief increase of 0.1 TWh in 2010, which was reversed the following year. This period of stagnation, spanning almost two decades, highlights missed opportunities to bolster the contribution of clean energy. Solar energy entries began in earnest in 2011, yet advances have been modest, with zero growth recorded in multiple years. From 2018 onward, the scenario has remained largely unchanged, underscoring an urgent need for renewed commitment and accelerated development in clean electricity generation to align with global sustainability imperatives.