As of 2022, New Caledonia's electricity consumption predominantly relies on fossil fuels, with more than half of its electricity—approximately 74%—derived from such sources, particularly coal, which accounts for 37%. Low-carbon electricity sources contribute a smaller share, at around 26% of the total electricity generation. Among the low-carbon sources, hydropower dominates with approximately 17%, while solar and wind contribute 7% and 1% respectively. While the presence of low-carbon energy is a positive sign for sustainable development, the heavy reliance on fossil fuels raises environmental concerns, highlighting the urgent need for a transition towards cleaner energy sources.
Data sources used on this page include Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in New Caledonia?
When assessing the growth of electricity in New Caledonia, the overall consumption appears to be on a downward trend. The latest data from 2022 shows a per capita electricity consumption of 10,763 kWh, which is notably lower than the peak consumption of 12,345 kWh per person recorded in 2018, reflecting a decrease of 1,582 kWh per person. However, there is a silver lining with regards to clean energy. The per capita low-carbon electricity generation increased by 542 kWh compared to the previous record set in 2021, reaching 2,821 kWh per person. This indicates that while the overall consumption of electricity has declined, New Caledonia is successfully shifting towards increasing its share of clean energy.
Suggestions
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, New Caledonia can look towards regions that have effectively harnessed solar and nuclear energy. Countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy accounts for 67-68% of their electricity generation, demonstrate the potential of nuclear power as a cornerstone of low-carbon energy strategies. Similarly, the success of regions such as Nevada and California, where solar contributes approximately 30% to their energy mix, provides a roadmap for investing in solar infrastructure. By adopting similar strategies, New Caledonia can significantly reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and increase the share of sustainable energy in its electricity generation portfolio.
History
Throughout the early 21st century, New Caledonia showed incremental progress in its low-carbon energy production, mostly through hydropower. The years witnessed fluctuations with minor increases or decreases, yet substantial growth was seen in the latter part of the period. Notable increments in hydropower were recorded in 2007, 2008, 2011, 2013, and 2015, indicating a pattern of gradual improvement. However, recent years have seen solar energy begin to play a more prominent role, with marked growth in 2019 and 2022. This emerging trend towards solar indicates a promising shift in the low-carbon landscape, setting the stage for further expansion and innovation in clean energy technologies within the region.
