Electricity in French Polynesia in 2022

In 2022, electricity consumption in French Polynesia relied heavily on fossil fuels, with more than two-thirds of its electricity being generated from these sources. This indicates a significant dependency on fossil fuels, which can contribute to climate change and related environmental issues. However, a promising stride into a greener future can be observed in its pursuit of low-carbon energy sources, which account for nearly a third of the electricity consumption. Of this clean energy, hydropower is the most significant contributor, providing over a quarter of the total electricity. Solar energy plays a smaller yet crucial role, adding about 7% to the island's electricity mix. These clean energy sources are pivotal as they provide sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels and help reduce the environmental impacts associated with electricity generation.

Suggestions

To accelerate the adoption of low-carbon electricity generation, French Polynesia could learn from countries with successful green energy initiatives. Some nations and regions have significantly harnessed certain types of low-carbon energy to power much of their electricity. Denmark leads in wind energy, generating 59% of its electricity from this source, which is well-suited for regions with ample wind resources. Likewise, Uruguay generates 36% of its electricity from wind, suggesting that wind power can be a viable option even for countries not traditionally associated with large-scale energy production. It's also insightful to look at countries like Greece, where solar energy constitutes 22% of their electricity generation, or Chile, with 21%. These examples demonstrate the practical viability of adopting solar energy, particularly given the sunny climate in French Polynesia.

History

Historically, French Polynesia's journey with low-carbon electricity has been somewhat stable yet limited over the years. Since the beginning of the millennium, hydropower has maintained a consistent contribution with very modest changes; a minute increase was noted in 2010, followed by a slight decline in 2011, and then once again stabilizing with no significant gains. Solar energy made its presence known in 2011 but has experienced no significant growth in the subsequent years, indicating an area ripe for development. In recent years, both hydro and solar energy show little to no variation, highlighting the potential to enhance investments and strategic planning in these clean energy sectors to increase their share in the overall electricity mix of French Polynesia, ultimately reducing the dependency on fossil fuels.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources