Samoa currently relies heavily on fossil fuels for its electricity needs, with fossil energy accounting for 60% of its electricity consumption. The remaining 40% is derived from low-carbon sources, which include hydropower, solar, and biofuels. Hydropower leads the low-carbon sector with 20% of the total electricity share, suggesting it plays a significant role in providing clean energy to the country. Solar energy contributes more than a tenth, accounting for 13.33% of the total electricity consumption, reflecting its growing importance in Samoa's energy mix. Biofuels wrap up the low-carbon sector with a modest share of nearly 7%. Overall, the balance between fossil fuels and low-carbon sources illustrates a need for transition towards more sustainable electricity generation.
Data sources used on this page include Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Samoa?
Recent data indicates a concerning decline in Samoa's electricity consumption. In 2023, electricity usage fell to 692 kWh per person from a previous peak of 849 kWh per person in 2020, marking a decrease of 157 kWh. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation decreased worryingly from 374 kWh per person in 2021 to 277 kWh per person. These reductions highlight not only a general decline in electricity consumption, but also an urgent need to boost clean energy production. The shift away from past consumption records reflects the challenges Samoa faces in securing a sustainable and growing electricity supply that keeps pace with future demands.
Suggestions
To address these challenges, Samoa can look to further expand its solar energy, given its existing capability to generate substantial amounts of electricity. Successful regions around the world provide valuable insights; for instance, Nevada and California have achieved significant solar electricity generation, with shares of 34% and 31%, respectively. Additionally, considering nuclear energy could be beneficial as regions like France and Slovakia derive more than two-thirds of their electricity from nuclear power, proving it as a highly efficient low-carbon energy source. Observing the success of these regions and countries can inspire Samoa to push forward with enhancing its solar and nuclear energy capacities, ultimately reducing reliance on fossil fuels and ensuring sustainable electricity growth.
History
Historically, Samoa's journey in low-carbon electricity generation has been marked largely by hydropower, with no notable changes in output between 2001 and 2013 and again from 2015 to 2023. The introduction of solar energy in 2015 brought new opportunities, although it did not immediately translate into change until recent years. Biofuels emerged in 2021, adding another element to Samoa's energy mix, albeit without significant changes in production. This steady yet stagnant historical trend indicates the potential within Samoa to take bolder steps towards increasing investments, particularly in solar and potentially nuclear, to stimulate dynamic growth and move towards a more substantial and reliable low-carbon electricity supply.
