Electricity in Samoa in 2022

In 2022, Samoa's electricity consumption was primarily reliant on fossil fuels, which accounted for more than two-thirds of its total electricity generation. The remainder, almost a third, was sourced from low-carbon energy options, with hydropower contributing approximately 21% and solar energy making up around 11%. The country's reliance on fossil fuels contrasts sharply with global trends towards cleaner energy sources, highlighting the untapped potential for further adoption of low-carbon technologies in mitigating climate change and reducing air pollution. Transitioning to greater use of hydropower and solar not only aligns with sustainable energy goals but also supports Samoa's long-term economic and environmental objectives.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Samoa can capitalize on its solar energy potential. Expanding solar infrastructure is a viable strategy, given its current share and the global shift towards more sustainable energy solutions. Learning from other countries can also be beneficial; for instance, Uruguay has successfully harnessed the power of wind to generate over a third of its electricity, illustrating the potential for similar technologies in regions with favorable conditions. While Samoa may not have the land or conditions to replicate nuclear success stories like France or Slovakia, exploring partnerships and innovative ideas from countries that have successfully integrated substantial shares of wind energy could prove invaluable.

History

Historically, Samoa's journey towards low-carbon electricity has seen minimal change in hydropower from 2001 to 2018, consistently maintaining its output without annual variation. In 2015, solar energy was introduced but has not seen recorded changes in generation since. Despite the lack of dynamic growth in its low-carbon sectors over these years, the introduction of solar energy marks a positive step towards diversified and sustainable energy generation. This slow yet steady progress underlines the importance of continued investment and exploration of new technologies to ensure a cleaner, more sustainable electricity profile for Samoa in the years to come.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources