Electricity in Macao SAR China in 2022

The current state of electricity consumption in Macao SAR China indicates a heavy reliance on external sources, with net imports accounting for more than 90% of its electricity needs. Fossil fuels such as gas provide a small fraction of the electricity supply, with fossil and gas sources together making up around 9%. Notably, low-carbon and clean energy sources contribute close to none, summing up to less than 4%. This minimal share of clean energy comes entirely from biofuels, making it clear that there is significant room for improvement in terms of green energy adoption within the region.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Macao SAR China can draw lessons from several countries that have successfully integrated substantial amounts of nuclear and wind energy into their electricity mix. For instance, France and Slovakia generate more than 60% of their electricity from nuclear power, showcasing the potential of nuclear energy to serve as a cornerstone of a clean energy strategy. Similarly, Denmark and Uruguay demonstrate the viability of wind power, generating about half and over a third of their electricity from wind, respectively. By committing to similar large-scale investments in nuclear and wind power, Macao SAR China could substantially reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and imported electricity while mitigating climate change and air pollution impacts.

History

Historically, Macao SAR China has seen minimal changes in its low-carbon electricity generation, specifically in the biofuels sector. From 2001 to 2022, biofuels-based electricity contribution varied slightly but mostly remained stagnant. Noteworthy is the single significant change in 2015, when biofuels experienced a decline of 0.1 TWh. Other than this, the biofuel sector has remained unchanged for over two decades, underlining a persistent lack of diversification in clean energy sources. To address future energy needs and environmental concerns, Macao SAR China must prioritize the development and expansion of more robust low-carbon energy solutions such as nuclear, wind, and solar energy, learning from international examples.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources