Electricity in Timor-Leste in 2023
In 2023, Timor-Leste's electricity consumption stands starkly in contrast to the global average. The country generates only 368 kWh per person, which is close to ten times less than the global average of 3781 kWh per person. All of this electricity comes from fossil energy since there is no low-carbon electricity generation in the country. This heavy dependency on fossil fuels not only contributes to climate change but also limits the potential for sustainable energy solutions, impacting the quality of life and industrial growth. The consequence of such low electrical generation and consumption makes it challenging to support modern amenities, economic development, education, and healthcare facilities, thereby hindering overall progress.
Is Electricity Growing in Timor-Leste?
Electricity consumption in Timor-Leste has not shown positive growth recently. In 2023, the consumption per person decreased to 368 kWh from the record high of 400 kWh set in 2019, marking a drop of 31 kWh. This stagnation raises concerns about the country's ability to fulfill increasing energy demands necessary for development. Furthermore, the country's low-carbon electricity generation has remained at zero, with no changes since the last record in 2003. The absence of any growth in clean energy is worrying, as it suggests a missed opportunity for Timor-Leste to reduce its dependency on fossil fuels and advance towards greener energy solutions.
Suggestions
To break this stagnation and increase low-carbon electricity offerings, Timor-Leste could benefit significantly from looking at countries that excel in solar and wind energy generation, such as India and Brazil. India generates a substantial amount of solar energy, while Brazil makes a significant contribution with wind energy, despite facing some challenges similar to those of Timor-Leste. Since nuclear energy is an equally significant and clean source of electricity, Timor-Leste should also consider it. Countries such as the United States and France demonstrate the profound impact nuclear energy can have. By investing in both nuclear and solar power generation, Timor-Leste could significantly enhance its electricity capacity and reduce its carbon footprint, thereby aligning with global sustainability goals.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Timor-Leste is quite straightforward, as there has been no production from clean sources over the years, including in 2023, when the figures remained unchanged from prior decades. From the early 2000s to the present day, the country's clean energy records have remained stagnant, indicating no progress in this arena. This is concerning, as other countries have witnessed considerable growth in this area over the years. The persistent lack of development in low-carbon electricity generation reflects a significant missed opportunity for enhancing the nation's energy independence and environmental sustainability. Timor-Leste must act swiftly to initiate and sustain a movement towards integrating low-carbon electricity sources to ensure a more sustainable and prosperous future.