In 2023, electricity consumption in Samoa shows a significant reliance on fossil fuels, which account for 60% of total electricity. On the brighter side, low-carbon or clean electricity comprises the remaining 40%. Specifically, hydropower contributes to about 20% of the electricity, making it the largest low-carbon source. Solar energy also plays a significant role, generating around 13%, while biofuels account for approximately 7%. These figures highlight a substantial, yet incomplete, transition towards low-carbon electricity in Samoa, indicating room for further improvement to minimize fossil fuel dependency.
Is Electricity Growing in Samoa?
Unfortunately, electricity consumption in Samoa has recently experienced a decline. The total electricity use was measured at 692 kWh per person in 2023, which is a significant drop from the previous record of 849 kWh per person in 2020. This change represents a reduction of 157 kWh per person. Moreover, low-carbon electricity also saw a decrease, with the consumption dropping to 277 kWh per person in 2023 from its 2021 high of 374 kWh per person, which is a reduction of 97 kWh per person. The decline in both total and low-carbon electricity consumption is concerning, as it suggests an overall regression in energy progress in Samoa.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Samoa should focus on expanding its existing solar capacity, taking advantage of the country's abundant sunlight. Learning from successful regions, such as Lebanon, which generates 31% of its electricity from solar energy, could provide valuable insights into large-scale solar adoption. Additionally, Samoa might consider exploring nuclear energy options, taking cues from countries like France and Slovakia that generate more than 60% of their electricity from nuclear power. While direct nuclear development may be challenging for Samoa, forming strategic partnerships or regional collaborations might offer pathways to accessing cleaner, more sustainable energy technologies.
History
Reflecting on the history of low-carbon electricity in Samoa, it's evident that the expansion has been gradual with solar and biofuels added in more recent years. From 2001 to 2013, hydroelectricity remained constant with no significant changes in its contribution to electricity generation. Solar began to make an appearance in 2015, and biofuels were introduced in 2021, showing Samoa's earlier steps towards diversifying its energy sources. However, these initiatives have not shown substantial year-to-year growth. This steady yet slow pace suggests that while Samoa has made initial strides in low-carbon electricity, there is ample opportunity for more dynamic progress, particularly with the advancement of solar technology to boost low-carbon electricity production.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.