Electricity in Solomon Islands in 2023
In 2023, Solomon Islands had a total electricity consumption of just 138 kWh/person, which is significantly lower than the global average of 3781 kWh/person. The country's reliance on fossil fuels is high while the contribution from low-carbon sources is notably small, with clean energy accounting for only about 9% of the total electricity consumption. The significant gap between Solomon Islands and the global average indicates that there are challenges in accessibility and availability of electricity, which can hinder development and modern living standards. Low levels of electricity generation can impede economic growth, education, and healthcare, while also limiting opportunities for industrial expansion and technological progress.
Is Electricity Growing in Solomon Islands?
Despite Solomon Islands' potential for harnessing clean energy, the latest data shows a decreasing trend in electricity consumption from 160 kWh/person in 2007 to 138 kWh/person in 2023, marking a reduction of 22 kWh/person. During the same period, low-carbon electricity generation has seen no growth, remaining stagnant at 13 kWh/person since 2022. This lack of progress in increasing clean energy output is concerning, especially in light of global trends towards sustainable and resilient energy systems. The current level of clean energy production is insufficient to make significant inroads towards reducing fossil fuel dependency and improving energy security for the nation’s future.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Solomon Islands can learn from regions that have successfully implemented sustainable energy solutions. Drawing inspiration from the People's Republic of China, which has made notable advances with wind and solar energies generating 992 TWh and 834 TWh respectively, Solomon Islands can work towards integrating solar energy as a key component, considering its geographical position. Additionally, incorporating nuclear energy, as seen in the substantial contributions from the United States and France, could further enhance the islands' clean energy portfolio by providing reliable, low-carbon power. Investing in a mix of solar and nuclear infrastructures will be vital for achieving sustainable development and reducing reliance on polluting fossil fuels while supporting electrification and economic growth.
History
Throughout recent history, the transition to low-carbon electricity generation in Solomon Islands has been minimal, as seen in the lack of change for solar energy from 2022 to 2023. This stagnation indicates an urgent need for strategic investments and policy reforms to foster the development of clean energy resources. While Solomon Islands is at the nascent stage of its clean energy journey, drawing insights from global leaders in solar and nuclear energy can provide a pathway to accelerated growth in electricity generation, contributing towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future. The current trajectory, however, highlights the pressing need for more proactive measures to embrace and expand clean energy initiatives.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.