In 2022, Timor-Leste's electricity consumption was predominantly reliant on fossil fuels, contributing to more than half of its electricity generation. The availability of low-carbon electricity sources like wind, solar, and nuclear was close to none. The overall electricity consumption in Timor-Leste was significantly lower than the global average of 3,606 watts per person, indicating limited access to electricity for its population. This dearth of electricity supply can lead to inhibited economic growth, reduced quality of life, and increased dependency on environmentally harmful energy sources which can worsen air pollution and contribute to climate change.
Timor-Leste could benefit by increasing its focus on low-carbon electricity generation, particularly through the development of solar and wind energy infrastructure and evaluating the feasibility of nuclear energy in the future. In similar instances, countries such as Vietnam and Chile have had success with solar energy, generating 27 TWh and 19 TWh respectively, showcasing the potential of solar in regions with ample sunlight. Likewise, regional neighbors such as India and Brazil have capitalized on wind energy, producing 92 TWh and 97 TWh respectively. By learning from these models, Timor-Leste could significantly ramp up its clean energy production, thereby reducing its carbon emissions and enhancing its national energy security.
Historically, low-carbon electricity generation in Timor-Leste has seen minimal development, and the data does not provide specific annual changes for its establishment or expansion. This indicates a longstanding reliance on fossil fuels due to perhaps infrastructural or policy challenges. It highlights the necessity for increased investment in establishing a robust framework for clean energy initiatives. By taking decisive steps now, Timor-Leste can lay the foundation for a sustainable energy mix that caters to its future electricity needs while mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change.