Electricity in Samoa in 2022

As of 2022, Samoa's electricity consumption is predominantly based on fossil fuels, comprising about 68% of the total electricity generation. Meanwhile, low-carbon or clean energy sources contribute to approximately 32% of the electricity mix. Within this category, hydropower accounts for just over 21% and solar energy represents around 11%. Thus, Samoa still relies significantly on fossil fuels for more than two-thirds of its electricity needs, while almost a third comes from cleaner, low-carbon sources.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Samoa can focus on expanding its existing solar capacity, which already makes a considerable contribution to the current mix. Learning from successful countries, particularly those with similar geographies and economic characteristics, can offer valuable insights. For instance, Uruguay's success in generating 36% of its electricity from wind can provide practical strategies for leveraging natural wind resources. Greece, with 22% of its electricity from solar power, and Chile, at 21%, demonstrate the potential for solar expansion in generating reliable, clean energy. Such examples emphasize the importance of diversifying low-carbon energy sources and investing in advanced technologies to enhance efficiency and output.

History

Looking back at the history of low-carbon electricity in Samoa, hydropower has played a consistent role since the early 2000s, with no changes in its generation observed from 2001 to 2014. Solar energy entered the scene in 2015 and has remained stable, alongside hydropower, without any significant fluctuations in the following years. This stability in harnessing solar and hydro energy lays a solid foundation for scaling up these clean energy forms in Samoa's future energy strategy. Such consistency is critical in enabling predictable energy planning and fostering a resilient, low-carbon electricity infrastructure.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources