Electricity in Solomon Islands in 2022

In 2022, the electricity consumption in the Solomon Islands was composed largely of fossil energy, with only a small fraction coming from low-carbon sources. More than half of the electricity in the Solomon Islands was generated using diesel and other fossil fuels, while clean energy sources like solar and wind accounted for close to none. This is a stark contrast to the global average, where each person consumes about 3638 watts. The much lower levels of electricity generation in the Solomon Islands suggest potential challenges in economic development, healthcare, and education, as access to reliable electricity is crucial for these sectors to thrive.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, the Solomon Islands can draw inspiration from countries like Brazil, India, and Australia, which have successfully integrated wind and solar energy into their electricity grids. Brazil generates 102 TWh from wind energy, demonstrating the effective use of wind resources, which could be similarly harnessed in the Solomon Islands with adequate investment. India’s solar generation of 128 TWh illustrates the potential impact of adopting solar technology. Learning from these examples, the Solomon Islands can evaluate opportunities to implement solar panels and wind turbines, providing clean, sustainable electricity while reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels.

History

Historically, the Solomon Islands' shift towards low-carbon electricity has been slow and saw minimal progress over the years. Significant efforts to integrate sustainable energy sources into the grid began only in recent decades, specifically with minor advancements in solar energy implementations. While there haven't been notable declines, the lack of substantial growth in clean electricity reflects a missed opportunity to harness the region’s abundant sunlight. Moving forward, active investment and policy support for clean energy technologies, such as both nuclear and renewables, will be essential in transforming the country's energy landscape toward a more sustainable future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources