Electricity in Timor-Leste in 2023
In 2023, electricity consumption in Timor-Leste is quite low, with the average person consuming approximately 368 kWh annually. This is a modest amount compared to the global average of 3,781 kWh/person. Fossil fuels supply all of Timor-Leste's electricity, with close to none coming from low-carbon sources such as solar, wind, or nuclear energy. This reliance on fossil energy has potential negative impacts, including contributing to climate change and air pollution, whereas a transition to clean energy sources could ameliorate these issues. The low level of electricity generation overall might also impede economic development and limit improvements in quality of life, as more electricity is often needed to support modern appliances, digital connectivity, and various other amenities that are pivotal for improving living standards.
Is Electricity Growing in Timor-Leste?
Recent trends in Timor-Leste show a worrying decrease in electricity consumption. In 2019, the record consumption was 400 kWh/person, which means the latest numbers represent a decline of about 31 kWh/person. This decrease in electricity use could be attributed to various socio-economic factors, possibly including economic constraints or inefficiencies in the energy infrastructure. Moreover, the absence of low-carbon electricity generation for many years, with the latest figures still showing 0 kWh/person, indicates stagnation in adopting clean energy technologies. This stagnation is worrisome, as it results in a continued dependency on fossil fuels while delaying the benefits that a transition to low-carbon electricity could offer.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation in Timor-Leste, the country can draw lessons from other regions that have succeeded in integrating clean energy into their electricity grids. Countries like the People's Republic of China and India have demonstrated significant success with solar energy, generating over a thousand and a hundred TWh respectively, and could serve as models for solar development due to Timor-Leste's similar solar conditions. Additionally, nuclear energy, as seen in countries like France and the United States, provides a substantial amount of clean electricity and should be considered as a viable option for long-term, scalable, low-carbon generation. Adopting a combination of solar and possibly nuclear energy approaches could greatly improve energy security, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and offer a sustainable energy future for Timor-Leste.
History
Historically, Timor-Leste has not made significant strides in low-carbon electricity generation. Since the early 2000s, the country has recorded 0 kWh/person in low-carbon electricity generation, with no changes in this figure. This lack of progress highlights a missed opportunity to diversify the energy mix and invest in sustainable infrastructure. While global counterparts have made strides, especially within the last couple of decades, Timor-Leste remains lagging in clean energy transitions. Addressing this stagnation with strategic planning and investments in solar and nuclear energy technologies could unlock significant benefits not only for the environment but for the economic prospects of Timor-Leste as well.