Electricity in Macao SAR China in 2022
In 2022, electricity consumption in Macao SAR, China, heavily relied on imports, which accounted for more than 90% of the total electricity mix. A small fraction, less than 10%, was generated locally, with fossil fuels contributing approximately 5% and gas almost 5%. Low-carbon energy sources such as biofuels also played a role, albeit a minor one, providing almost 4% of the local electricity. This minimal reliance on fossil energy and clean energy within domestic generation reflects a significant dependence on external resources, underscoring the potential vulnerability to fluctuations in import availability or pricing.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and Enerdata. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Macao SAR China?
Evaluating the recent trends, the electricity consumption per person in Macao SAR, China, has seen a noticeable decline. In 2022, electricity consumption per capita was 7,610 kWh, a decrease from the previous record of 8,674 kWh per person in 2019. This represents a drop of over 1,000 kWh per person, indicating a contraction in electricity consumption. In the realm of low-carbon electricity, the trend has been similarly downwards; in 2022, per-person generation was 284 kWh, a fall from the 2014 record of 426 kWh, signifying a reduction of more than 100 kWh per person. These declines are concerning in an era where increased electricity generation, especially from clean sources, is crucial for sustainable development and addressing climate change.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Macao SAR, China, could take inspiration from regions excelling in solar and nuclear energy. Solar power has proven effective in states such as Nevada, where it accounts for one-third of the electricity mix. Emulating this approach could leverage Macao's sunny climate to increase solar electricity generation. Additionally, nuclear energy stands as a substantial source of low-carbon electricity in countries like France and Slovakia, where it constitutes over 65% of their electricity supply. Building nuclear capacity could help Macao transition away from dependency on imported energy and towards a more sustainable, self-reliant electricity generation system. Emphasizing these technologies would be a proactive strategy to ensure energy security, contribute to global emission reduction goals, and support economic growth.
History
Historically, Macao SAR, China's low-carbon electricity generation has remained almost static, dominated by biofuels since the early 2000s. Periodic increases in biofuel generation occurred in 2001 and 2003, each time contributing only a slight rise of 0.1 TWh. After 2003, biofuel contributions largely stagnated, with no significant change beyond 2014, which saw a minor decrease. This lack of growth in clean electricity might have resulted from a limited focus on diversifying energy sources beyond biofuels. For Macao to create a more resilient and sustainable energy portfolio, substantial steps toward integrating diverse clean electricity sources are imperative.
