In 2022, about two-thirds of French Polynesia’s electricity consumption came from fossil fuels, while roughly one-third came from low-carbon sources. Hydropower supplied about 27% of electricity and solar contributed 7%. Clean electricity therefore already plays a meaningful role, but fossil fuels still dominate the electricity mix, contributing to climate change and air pollution.

Is Electricity Growing in French Polynesia?

The latest figures do not show growth relative to French Polynesia’s historical peak, although they cannot establish the year-to-year trend. Electricity consumption in 2022 was about 2,530 kWh per person—roughly 390 kWh, or 13%, below the record set in 2010. Low-carbon electricity generation stood at about 860 kWh per person, around 140 kWh, or 14%, below its own 2010 record. These shortfalls are concerning: expanding clean electricity supply would help meet future demand from electrification and growing digital infrastructure, including AI.

Suggestions

French Polynesia can increase low-carbon electricity generation by prioritizing solar expansion, alongside storage and grid improvements. The US state of Hawaii is a particularly relevant island reference, generating 23% of its electricity from solar; Cyprus also reaches 23%, demonstrating how much further French Polynesia could develop this source. Wind merits consideration where local conditions are suitable, with the island region of Cape Verde generating 14% of its electricity from wind. Nuclear should also be considered as a longer-term clean electricity option suited to local needs, drawing on France’s expertise: nuclear supplies about 67% of France’s electricity. These examples offer lessons rather than targets to copy directly.

History

The supplied historical figures show limited sustained growth in low-carbon electricity generation. Throughout the listed years of the 2000s, hydropower recorded no change at the reported precision. Hydro then increased by 0.1 TWh in 2010, but that gain was reversed in 2011, followed by another 0.1 TWh decline in 2013. The subsequent listed hydro entries, through 2022, show no change. Solar likewise recorded no change at the reported precision in the listed years between 2011 and 2021; this does not necessarily mean there were no smaller increases. Overall, the record highlights the need for renewed momentum in clean electricity expansion, particularly solar.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade