Electricity in Papua New Guinea in 2022

Papua New Guinea's electricity consumption in 2022 was predominantly dependent on fossil energy, with almost 75% of its electricity coming from fossil sources. Among these, gas made up nearly 19%. On the other hand, low-carbon energy sources accounted for just over a quarter of the total electricity, with hydropower being the most significant contributor at almost 17%, followed by geothermal energy at just over 8%. This indicates that while there is some reliance on clean energy, the majority of the nation's electricity still comes from fossil fuels, which have significant adverse environmental impacts such as climate change and air pollution.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Papua New Guinea can look at successful models from other countries. Denmark, for instance, generates more than 60% of its electricity from wind energy, which suggests that wind power could be a viable option for Papua New Guinea. Additionally, learning from countries like Greece, which produces 22% of its electricity from solar energy, could help Papua New Guinea harness its solar potential. Considering the successful implementation of nuclear energy in countries like France, where it produces 67% of the electricity, Papua New Guinea could also explore nuclear energy as a reliable and clean alternative to fossil fuels.

History

Looking at the history of low-carbon electricity in Papua New Guinea, hydropower has seen modest fluctuations over the decades. Starting with consistent small increases in the 1980s, a notable boost of 0.4 TWh occurred in 1995, though it experienced minor declines in 1997 and 2017. Geothermal energy made its entry in 2003 and continued its rise with significant contributions in 2005. Since then, low-carbon electricity sources like geothermal have provided steady, albeit modest, contributions to the electricity mix. This historical perspective highlights the potential for further development and investment in both hydropower and geothermal energy, supplemented by new ventures into nuclear and solar power.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources