In 2023, electricity consumption in Timor-Leste was about 370 kWh per person—roughly one-tenth of the global average of 3,794 kWh per person. Reported low-carbon electricity generation was zero, indicating that domestic generation remained dependent on fossil fuels rather than clean sources such as solar, wind or nuclear. No detailed breakdown by fossil fuel is provided. Such low electricity consumption can indicate constrained access or supply, potentially limiting healthcare, education, refrigeration and business activity. Expanding clean electricity would help support development while reducing the air pollution and climate impacts associated with fossil fuels.

Is Electricity Growing in Timor-Leste?

Electricity consumption per person is not currently setting new records. The 2023 figure of 368 kWh was about 30 kWh, or 8%, below the previous peak of 400 kWh in 2019. This shortfall is concerning given the need for more electricity to support development and electrification, although these figures alone do not establish whether total national consumption declined or whether consumption fell specifically in 2023. Low-carbon generation also showed no progress: its latest reported level of zero kWh per person was unchanged from the record reported for 2003.

Suggestions

Timor-Leste should prioritize solar deployment through rooftop systems, community projects and larger installations, supported by storage and stronger electricity networks. Nearby regional examples offer useful lessons: Australia generated 58 TWh of solar electricity, while Vietnam and Thailand generated 21 TWh and 11 TWh respectively. Their experience can inform project procurement, workforce training and grid integration, with projects scaled to Timor-Leste’s needs rather than their much larger output. Wind-resource assessments could identify additional opportunities, drawing on Vietnam’s experience producing 11 TWh from wind. Timor-Leste should also consider nuclear electricity in its long-term planning, learning from established programs such as South Korea’s, which generated 160 TWh, while assessing an appropriate scale and developing the necessary institutions and expertise.

History

The supplied historical information shows no recorded advance in low-carbon electricity between the zero benchmark in 2003 and the zero level reported in 2023. However, no year-by-year changes in generation were included, so it is not possible to identify individual projects, periods of growth or declines within those two decades. The available endpoints therefore show a disappointing absence of measurable clean-electricity progress, rather than a detailed history. Building a consistent generation record alongside new solar projects would help Timor-Leste track a transition toward a larger, cleaner electricity supply.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade