Electricity in French Polynesia in 2022

As of 2022, the electricity consumption in French Polynesia predominantly relies on fossil fuels, accounting for over two-thirds or approximately 67% of the total electricity generation. The remaining portion, nearly a third, comes from low-carbon or clean sources. Specifically, around 26% of the electricity is generated from hydropower, while about 7% comes from solar energy. This indicates a significant dependency on fossil fuels, contributing to climate change and air pollution, though there is a notable commitment to relatively sustainable sources like hydropower and solar energy.

Suggestions

To further increase its low-carbon electricity generation, French Polynesia can learn from successful examples globally. For instance, Denmark generates over 60% of its electricity from wind power, demonstrating that small, windy regions can effectively harness this resource. Similarly, Uruguay obtains 36% of its electricity from wind, showcasing that smaller countries can achieve high wind energy penetration. Additionally, Greece and Spain have successfully incorporated solar energy, generating around 22% and 18% of their electricity respectively from this clean source. By investing in both wind and solar infrastructure while considering its unique geographic and climatic conditions, French Polynesia can significantly enhance its green energy portfolio.

History

Historically, French Polynesia has seen limited fluctuations in its low-carbon electricity generation. Between 2001 and 2019, hydropower generation remained relatively stable with minor changes, except for a slight increase of 0.1 TWh in 2010, followed by a corresponding decrease in 2011 and 2013. The introduction of solar energy began around 2011 but has also seen little change over the years, with the last reported update in 2021 showing no significant alterations. These data suggest that while French Polynesia has maintained a consistent low-carbon energy presence, there is ample room for growth and diversification to move away from fossil fuels and bolster its clean electricity share.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources