In 2023, electricity consumption in Papua New Guinea is predominantly reliant on fossil energy, with fossil sources accounting for a significant majority of 76%. This means that more than three-quarters of the country's electricity is generated from fossil fuels, contributing to climate change and air pollution. Low-carbon options, such as hydropower and geothermal energy, make up the remaining share. Hydropower is a key contributor among low-carbon energies, providing about 21% of the electricity, while geothermal energy offers just over 2%. Despite these contributions, the proportion of low-carbon energy in the overall electricity mix remains less than a quarter, highlighting the urgent need for Papua New Guinea to expand its low-carbon portfolio.
Data sources used on this page include EIA and Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Papua New Guinea?
The data presents an alarming trend regarding the growth of electricity in Papua New Guinea; electricity consumption per person has declined since its record high in 2003. The current consumption stands at 455 kWh per person, down from the 506 kWh per person recorded in 2003. This represents a decrease of 51 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation per person has fallen significantly from its peak in 1995 at 194 kWh to the 2023 figure of 108 kWh per person, showing a reduction of 86 kWh per person. These declines indicate a stagnation in both overall electricity production and in the adoption and usage of low-carbon electricity, which must urgently be addressed.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Papua New Guinea can take inspiration from successful regions that have effectively harnessed solar and nuclear power. For example, France and Slovakia produce a substantial portion of their electricity from nuclear, with France achieving 69% and Slovakia 67%. Meanwhile, countries like Lebanon and Chile have successfully integrated solar into their energy mix, reaching 31% and 24% respectively. Given Papua New Guinea’s geographical and environmental potential, there is a significant opportunity to develop solar power as a major component of clean energy strategy. Moreover, considering the global successes with nuclear energy, Papua New Guinea should explore this option to achieve a significant and sustainable increase in low-carbon electricity generation.
History
Looking at the history of low-carbon electricity in Papua New Guinea, it is evident that the growth has been erratic, with both progress and setbacks. In the 1980s and 1990s, there were modest increases in hydropower, notably in 1983, 1986, and 1989. The year 1995 saw the largest recorded jump in hydropower generation of 0.4 TWh, but subsequent years like 1997 and 2008 experienced declines. Geothermal energy briefly boosted the low-carbon profile in 2005 and 2007, but growth has stalled since a reduction in 2021. While recent years saw some positive developments—such as the return of growth in hydropower in 2023—the fluctuating trajectory underscores the need for more stable and robust advancements in low-carbon electricity development.
