In 2022, Macao SAR China relied on net imports for about 91% of its electricity consumption. Local fossil-fuel generation supplied roughly 5%, including nearly 5% from gas, while local low-carbon generation supplied just under 4%, entirely from biofuels. Imports therefore dominated electricity supply, but their generation mix is not specified, so the overall low-carbon and fossil shares of electricity consumed cannot be determined from these figures.

Is Electricity Growing in Macao SAR China?

Electricity consumption per person was below its historical peak in 2022, rather than setting a new record. It stood at about 7,600 kWh per person, compared with almost 8,700 kWh in 2019—a shortfall of roughly 1,100 kWh, or 12%. Local low-carbon electricity generation also remained below its record: about 280 kWh per person, versus roughly 430 kWh in 2014, a decline of one-third. These gaps are concerning as electrification and growing digital infrastructure increase the need for abundant clean electricity, although comparisons with record years alone do not establish the latest year-to-year trend.

Suggestions

Macao could increase local low-carbon electricity generation by expanding solar installations on rooftops and other suitable built surfaces, while considering nuclear development through regional partnerships and assessing suitable local options. Small, densely populated Malta offers a useful solar reference, generating 10% of its electricity from solar; the Netherlands reaches 20%, showing the potential of solar even where space is valuable. The US state of Hawaii generates 23% from solar, providing another example for a coastal electricity system. For nuclear power, South Korea generates about 26% of its electricity from this clean source, while France obtains roughly two-thirds. Macao could draw on these examples to pair local solar growth with support for expanded regional nuclear generation, while distinguishing imported clean electricity from generation within Macao itself.

History

The supplied history shows modest early growth in Macao’s low-carbon electricity generation, followed by prolonged stagnation. Biofuel generation increased by 0.1 TWh in both 2001 and 2003, with no reported change in the other listed years through 2014. In 2015, generation fell by 0.1 TWh, reversing one of those early gains. The listed years from 2017 through 2022 then recorded no further change. This extended lack of progress underscores the need to diversify and expand clean electricity generation, particularly through solar and nuclear development.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade