In 2022, the electricity consumption patterns in Macao SAR China showed a very high dependence on net imports, accounting for more than 90% of the electricity supply. Fossil energy was at a minimal level, constituting merely 5% of the overall electricity consumption. Among the clean energy sources, low-carbon biofuels made up around 4% of the consumed electricity. This indicates a significant reliance on imported electricity accompanied by an undervaluation of low-carbon energy generation within the region. The minimal use of fossil fuels is commendable but the heavy reliance on imports suggests a need for boosting internal low-carbon energy initiatives.

Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and Enerdata. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Macao SAR China?

A worrying downward trend in electricity consumption in Macao SAR China was observed in 2022. The electricity consumption per person stood at 7610 kWh, which was a significant decrease of more than 1000 kWh compared to the record set in 2019. Furthermore, low-carbon electricity generation also saw a downturn with only 284 kWh per person, a reduction from its 2014 peak of 426 kWh per person. This stagnation indicates an urgent need for the region to strengthen its clean energy footprint to cater to the increasing global electrification demands and the imperative of cutting down on fossil fuels.

Suggestions

To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Macao SAR China could draw lessons from successful regions around the globe. Regional examples, such as Slovakia and France, successfully source over 65% of their electricity from nuclear power, demonstrating its feasibility and widespread applicability as a clean energy source. Additionally, areas like North Macedonia and Nevada have harnessed solar power effectively, covering close to half and a third, respectively, of their electricity requirements. By investing in solar and nuclear energy infrastructure, Macao could significantly bolster its low-carbon electricity output, thus reducing dependence on imports and contributing positively to global climate targets.

History

Examining the history of low-carbon electricity development in Macao SAR China reveals a stagnant and fluctuating trend in electricity generation from biofuels since the early 2000s. After beginning with a modest rise in the early 2000s, biofuel electricity generation largely stalled, with no noticeable changes in output until a slight downward tick was recorded in 2015. The lack of significant growth in recent decades underscores the necessity of diversifying and investing in more impactful clean energy sources like solar and nuclear. This realization should motivate stakeholders to shape a more sustainable and robust energy strategy for the future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade