In 2023, Papua New Guinea's electricity consumption primarily relies on fossil fuels, which account for more than three-quarters of the country's total electricity generation. Clean energy makes up nearly a quarter, with hydropower being the dominant low-carbon source at about 21% and geothermal contributing slightly over 2%. Gas, although still a fossil fuel, also contributes significantly to the energy mix with close to a fifth of total electricity generation. This indicates that while Papua New Guinea is somewhat leveraging low-carbon sources, the country still has a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, which are known to contribute to climate change and air pollution.
Data sources used on this page include EIA and Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Papua New Guinea?
In terms of overall electricity growth, Papua New Guinea has experienced a decline in electricity consumption over the years. The latest data shows a per capita consumption of 455 kWh, which is a significant drop from the historic peak of 555 kWh in 2004. This decline extends to clean electricity as well, with the latest low-carbon generation at 108 kWh per person, a reduction from the 1995 peak of 194 kWh per person. The reduced consumption figures may reflect an underlying issue in the growth of electricity generation, particularly in the strive towards increasing the share of sustainable and clean electricity.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Papua New Guinea can look at successful regions around the world. Countries like France and Slovakia, which generate a substantial portion of their electricity from nuclear, can serve as an inspiration. Similarly, the adoption of solar power seen in places like Nevada and Chile underscores the potential for solar energy, especially given Papua New Guinea's geographical advantage with ample sunlight. By investing in a combination of nuclear and solar technologies, Papua New Guinea could significantly reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and ensure a stable and clean electricity supply for the future.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Papua New Guinea shows a fluctuating but largely underwhelming pattern over the decades. In the mid-1980s, hydropower saw slight increments yearly, but this was offset by reductions in certain years such as 1987 and 1997. Noteworthy increases in geothermal energy appeared in the mid-2000s, although it has faced declines, particularly in 2018. Overall, the capacity for low-carbon electricity has seen small gains but also setbacks. Significant and consistent investments are needed to steer the country towards an era of abundant and reliable green energy.
