In Samoa in 2023, electricity consumption relies predominantly on fossil fuels, with more than half, precisely 60%, of the electricity generated from these sources. This reliance on fossil fuels poses challenges such as greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, emphasizing the need for a transition towards cleaner energy. However, Samoa is making strides in low-carbon electricity generation, with 40% of its electricity sourced from hydropower, solar, and biofuels. By breaking this down, 20% comes from hydropower, while solar energy contributes approximately 13% and biofuels almost 7%. This significant share of clean electricity indicates a positive move towards sustainable energy, though more can be done to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and further increase low-carbon energy's contribution.
Data sources used on this page include Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Samoa?
The recent figures raise concerns about electric growth in Samoa. In 2023, electricity consumption dropped to 692 kWh per person, a significant decrease from the 2020 record of 849 kWh per person. This shows a decline of 157 kWh per person from the highest record three years ago. Similarly, low-carbon electricity consumption is decreasing, with the current 277 kWh per person falling from the 2021 high of 374 kWh per person, marking a decline of 97 kWh per person. This stagnant or declining trend is concerning, as growing electricity usage, especially clean electricity, is critical for economic development and meeting future energy demands sustainably.
Suggestions
To reverse this decline and boost low-carbon electricity generation, Samoa could consider expanding its solar energy capacity, which already shows promise in its energy mix. Successful countries and regions around the globe, like California and Lebanon, provide inspiring examples, with solar contributing over 30% of their electricity needs. Learning from such regions, Samoa could also explore incorporating nuclear energy into its mix similarly to France, Slovakia, or New Hampshire, where nuclear energy constitutes a significant portion of their electricity. Additionally, wind energy could be an alternative to explore, inspired by Denmark and Iowa, where wind powers a large share of their electricity. By diversifying its energy mix further into solar, nuclear, and perhaps wind, Samoa can achieve a sustainable electricity system, meeting its energy needs and reducing reliance on carbon-intensive sources.
History
Looking back, Samoa’s journey with low-carbon electricity has seen periods of stagnation in various decades, particularly concerning hydro energy. For instance, between 2001 and 2013, and again in recent years like 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023, no change was observed in hydropower electricity generation, indicating missed opportunities for growth. The same pattern applies to solar power during the years 2015 and 2016. Despite this flat trajectory, there have been initiatives to fuel growth in biofuels, as indicated by its addition to Samoa’s energy source in 2021. Yet, the overall deceleration signals a need for strategic actions to stimulate low-carbon electricity growth. Embracing advancements in green technology can empower Samoa to transition efficiently towards a robust and sustainable electricity network.
