Electricity in Papua New Guinea in 2022

As of 2022, the electricity generation landscape in Papua New Guinea shows a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, with almost three-quarters of its electricity, or about 75%, being generated from this source. Low-carbon sources contribute to a little more than a quarter of the country's electricity generation. Notably, hydropower leads the low-carbon sector at around 17%, followed by geothermal energy, which provides nearly 8% of the electricity. While the current distribution shows a significantly higher dependence on fossil fuels, there is already a substantial base of low-carbon energy, particularly in hydropower and geothermal, that could be expanded to achieve a more sustainable electricity matrix.

Suggestions

Papua New Guinea can improve its low-carbon electricity generation by drawing lessons from countries with successful green energy strategies. For example, Denmark and Uruguay have notably increased their wind energy capacities to about 59% and 33%, respectively, showcasing the potential of wind energy even in regions with limited similar resource profiles. Vanuatu's focus on solar energy leading to 14% of its electricity generation also exemplifies how similar island nations have bolstered sustainable electricity through solar initiatives. Emulating these strategies, Papua New Guinea could consider investments in wind and solar energy, alongside bolstering its existing geothermal and hydropower potential, given its geographical characteristics and current infrastructure.

History

Examining the historical evolution of low-carbon electricity in Papua New Guinea reveals a slow but noticeable shift over the past decades. In the 1980s and 1990s, there were small increments in hydropower generation, with years such as 1995 showing an increase of 0.4 TWh. However, some fluctuations occurred as seen in 1997 and 2017, when reductions were experienced. The early 2000s witnessed the introduction of geothermal energy, beginning in 2003 and experiencing a modest expansion by 2005 with a notable increase of 0.3 TWh. In recent years, the growth in both hydropower and geothermal capacities has been relatively stable but slow, highlighting opportunities for Papua New Guinea to ramp up its efforts in boosting low-carbon electricity generation. Such historical insights underscore the potential for expanded use of clean energy technologies to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, aligning with global shifts towards sustainable and environmentally-friendly energy systems.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources