In 2022, New Caledonia's electricity consumption was predominantly reliant on fossil fuels, making up almost three-quarters of the total. Coal alone contributed to more than one-third of the electricity generation. Low-carbon sources accounted for a smaller share but still represented a significant portion of the electricity mix, comprising about 26%. Hydropower led the low-carbon segment, generating close to a fifth of the total electricity. Solar and wind energy contributed modestly, with solar power generating a little more than 7% and wind power barely making an impact with just over 1%. There is a clear need to increase low-carbon sources to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and foster a cleaner energy environment.
Data sources used on this page include Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in New Caledonia?
The trend of electricity consumption in New Caledonia presents a concerning picture, as the latest data from 2022 indicates a significant decline in overall electricity usage per person, reaching 10,763 kWh, down by 1,582 kWh from the record in 2018. This decline is worrisome as it may reflect stagnation in economic development or efficiency measures, though the encouraging aspect is the increase in low-carbon electricity generation. The latest figures show that low-carbon electricity generation per person increased to 2,821 kWh, reflecting a gain of 542 kWh from the record set in 2021. This growth in sustainable generation is a positive development, but the decline in total electricity consumption underscores the need to balance efficiency with economic growth.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, New Caledonia can draw lessons from regions that have successfully integrated substantial clean energy sources. Solar power potential, as seen in states like Nevada and countries such as Chile, suggests adopting similar strategies could be beneficial. Additionally, expanding solar energy infrastructure will help capitalize on New Caledonia's favorable solar conditions. Nuclear energy is another avenue to explore, with countries like France and Slovakia demonstrating the advantages of this clean and reliable energy source. The expansion of wind power is another promising avenue, inspired by regions like Iowa and Denmark, which have seen over half of their electricity coming from wind. By diversifying and investing in these areas, New Caledonia can significantly enhance its low-carbon energy mix.
History
Historically, the development of low-carbon electricity in New Caledonia has seen shifts and adaptations over the years, particularly with hydropower and solar energy. In the early 2000s, hydropower experienced some fluctuations, with occasional declines, but there were also periods of recovery and stabilization in the following decade. From 2011 onward, hydropower showed more consistent growth, while 2019 marked a pivotal year with the introduction of solar energy, adding diversity to the low-carbon electricity portfolio. The upward trend continued into 2022, with both hydropower and solar energy recording positive increments. This steady progress in increasing low-carbon electricity generation provides a strong foundation for further advancements.
