In 2023, Samoa's electricity landscape shows a reliance on fossil energy, making up 60% of the total production. The remaining 40% is supplied by low-carbon sources, featuring hydropower at 20%, solar power at roughly 13%, and biofuels accounting for around 7%. This blend of energy sources demonstrates Samoa's efforts toward incorporating clean energy, yet there's a significant opportunity to further reduce reliance on fossil fuels and enhance the country's sustainable energy infrastructure.
Data sources used on this page include Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Samoa?
Samoa's electricity consumption per person has decreased from a previous high of 849 kWh in 2020 to 692 kWh in 2023, representing a drop of 157 kWh per person. This decline is even more pronounced in low-carbon electricity generation, which fell from a record 374 kWh per person in 2021 to 277 kWh in 2023, a decrease of 97 kWh per person. These reductions pose challenges to Samoa's goals toward increasing electricity availability and its commitment to sustainability and clean energy transitions, highlighting the need for proactive strategies to stimulate growth and resilience in these areas.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation in Samoa, expanding the solar power infrastructure is a promising path forward, as solar already plays a significant role. Learning from Nevada, where solar accounts for 33% of electricity, and Lebanon, where solar provides 31%, could provide valuable insights into effective solar energy policies and technologies. Additionally, Samoa should explore nuclear energy as a potential addition to its energy mix, drawing inspiration from France and Slovakia, where nuclear power makes up 70% and 66% of electricity generation, respectively. By learning from these regions, Samoa could enhance its low-carbon electricity production and decrease its reliance on fossil energy, achieving both environmental and economic benefits.
History
Reviewing the history of low-carbon electricity in Samoa, it's evident that there has been a stable reliance on hydropower, with no significant changes recorded from 2001 to 2023. Solar energy saw no growth between 2015 and 2016, and biofuels entered the energy mix in 2021 without further developments. The consistency over the years emphasizes the potential for further growth in low-carbon energy, particularly through proactive investments in solar and considering innovative approaches for other clean technologies. Encouraging these developments can help Samoa align with its energy goals and capitalize on the benefits of a sustainable and resilient electric grid.
