As of 2022, electricity consumption in French Polynesia demonstrates a split favoring fossil energy, which supplies just over two-thirds of the demand, while low-carbon energy contributes roughly a third. Among the low-carbon sources, hydropower is the major contributor, making up about 27% of electricity generation. Solar energy provides just over 7% of the total electricity, highlighting its potential as a rising contributor in the region’s energy mix. The reliance on fossil fuels signals a need for a substantial shift toward more sustainable and clean electricity solutions to reduce environmental impact.
Data sources used on this page include Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in French Polynesia?
The trend in electricity consumption over the past decade in French Polynesia raises concerns. The recent figure of 2533 kWh/person signals a decline from the 2010 peak of 2920 kWh/person, marking a decrease of 387 kWh/person. A similar decrease is noted in low-carbon electricity generation, which fell by 142 kWh/person compared to its maximum level in 2010. This downward trajectory in both overall and low-carbon electricity generation is worrisome, especially as the need for robust, low-carbon electricity generation is greater than ever, given global challenges and the growing demand for clean energy.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity, French Polynesia can look to successful regions that have emphasized solar and nuclear energy. For example, Nevada and California have harnessed solar energy, generating some of the highest portions of their electricity from this source, at 33% and 29% respectively. Additionally, countries like France and Slovakia have successfully utilized nuclear energy, producing over 65% of their electricity sustainably. Incorporating lessons from these regions, French Polynesia could expand solar facilities and consider adopting nuclear energy solutions to enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, thereby reducing dependency on fossil fuels and contributing positively to climate change mitigation efforts.
History
Analyzing the historical data of low-carbon electricity in French Polynesia, there is a pattern of stability and some fluctuation primarily dominated by hydropower, with no significant growth any time before 2010. The early 2010s saw minor variations, including a brief increase followed by a decrease in hydropower. Solar energy did not record any increase until 2021, emphasizing the need for renewed efforts in harnessing clean energy. This stagnation in adopting and expanding clean energy sources over the years indicates a need for more aggressive investment and policy shifts to increase the share of low-carbon electricity, focusing heavily on solar and nuclear energy, to meet future electricity needs sustainably.
