In Kiribati, the state of electricity consumption in 2022 reveals a low level of overall usage, at just 307 kWh per person, a stark contrast to the global average of 3813 kWh per person. Fossil energy predominantly fuels this modest electricity consumption, with only 77 kWh per person attributed to low-carbon sources, specifically solar energy. This disparity sheds light on Kiribati's heavy reliance on fossil fuels for electricity, which can contribute to climate change and air pollution. Such low electricity consumption levels can have various impacts, including limited access to modern conveniences that improve quality of life and constraints on the deployment of technologies that could drive economic growth and development.
Is Electricity Growing in Kiribati?
The trend in electricity consumption in Kiribati indicates a worrying decline rather than growth. In the recent data, there's been a drop of 16 kWh per person from the 2019 peak consumption of 323 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity from solar also saw a reduction, decreasing by 4 kWh per person from the 2019 record of 81 kWh per person. This stagnation and decline in both overall and low-carbon electricity highlight an urgent need for effective strategies to reverse the trend and to foster sustainable growth in electricity generation, with a greater emphasis on expanding clean energy sources.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Kiribati should focus on the expansion of its solar energy capacity since this source already contributes to its green energy mix. Looking at successful examples like Australia, which generates 50 TWh from solar, and Brazil with 75 TWh from the same energy type, Kiribati can draw valuable lessons. These countries have managed to significantly increase their solar output, and Kiribati, with abundant sunshine, holds great potential to achieve similar success. Investing in scalable solar projects and learning from counterparts that prioritized and effectively harnessed solar energy can lead to significant advancements in their electricity landscape, offering various economic and environmental benefits.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Kiribati has been uneventful in recent years. From 2019 to 2022, solar energy generation remained unchanged with no growth recorded each year. This stagnation is alarming given the rapid advancements needed worldwide to increase sustainable electricity supplies. Kiribati must break free from this pattern of stagnation by embracing opportunities for solar energy expansion to boost its electricity generation, ensure energy security, and contribute positively to the global climate change fight. By adopting strategic initiatives grounded in the successes of other nations, Kiribati can reposition itself as a burgeoning low-carbon energy producer.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.