Electricity in Timor-Leste in 2022

Currently, electricity consumption in Timor-Leste is notably low compared to global standards. The country generates less than 40 watts per person, which is significantly below the global average of 432 watts per person. Most of Timor-Leste's electricity comes from fossil fuels, making up more than 90% of its power supply. In stark contrast, low-carbon sources like wind, solar, and nuclear contribute close to none of the electricity. Low levels of electricity generation can result in limited access to basic amenities, hinder economic growth, and restrict improvements in healthcare, education, and overall quality of life, perpetuating poverty and developmental lag.

Suggestions

To address this, Timor-Leste can increase its low-carbon electricity generation by looking into the successes of other countries. For instance, Brazil has effectively leveraged wind energy, generating around 96 TWh, while India has made significant advances in solar power, producing 113 TWh. By utilizing wind and solar energy, which are abundant in the region, Timor-Leste can diversify its energy mix and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Government policies that incentivize investment in clean energy infrastructure, alongside international partnerships for technology transfer and financing, can accelerate this transition. Success stories from countries with similar economic and geographic profiles can provide practical models for implementation.

History

In the history of low-carbon electricity in Timor-Leste, recent years have seen minimal advancements. The majority of the recorded changes in electricity generation have been associated with fossil fuels rather than investments in clean energy. Unlike countries that invested heavily in wind and solar, Timor-Leste's focus has remained conservative. It is crucial for Timor-Leste to adopt a proactive approach, learning from countries that successfully integrated low-carbon sources into their electricity mix. A concerted effort towards building infrastructure for sustainable energy will not only brighten the energy outlook but also contribute significantly towards combating climate change and reducing air pollution.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources