Electricity in Timor-Leste in 2023
In 2023, electricity consumption in Timor-Leste is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with low-carbon sources making up close to none of its total electricity generation. This reliance on fossil fuels is concerning given the negative impacts they have on climate change and air pollution. Timor-Leste's electricity consumption is significantly lower than the global average, which is 3813 watts per person. Such low levels of electricity generation in the country can lead to limited access to modern energy services, affecting quality of life and hindering economic and social development.
Suggestions
To improve its low-carbon electricity generation, Timor-Leste can look to successful examples of other countries. One notable example is the wind and solar energy initiatives in countries such as India and Brazil, both of which have significantly increased their clean energy outputs. For instance, Brazil generates more than 100 TWh of electricity from wind, and India follows with substantial contributions from both solar and wind energy. Drawing inspiration from these countries, Timor-Leste could invest in solar and wind resources, leveraging its geographic potential. Nuclear energy also presents a substantial opportunity, as seen from countries like France and South Korea, where nuclear makes up a major portion of their clean energy mix. Investing in such sustainable energy resources could enable Timor-Leste to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to global carbon emissions reduction efforts.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Timor-Leste shows limited progress over the years. There have been no significant surges in the development of clean energy infrastructure, such as nuclear, solar, or wind. In recent decades, the absence of growth in low-carbon electricity generation has meant that Timor-Leste remains dependent on fossil fuels. It is crucial for the country to begin investing in and expanding its low-carbon capabilities to secure a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. Encouraging growth in these areas and learning from successful models in other nations could help Timor-Leste transform its electricity sector, set on a path towards economic prosperity, and ensure better access to energy for its citizens.