Electricity in Tonga in 2023
In 2023, the electricity consumption in Tonga continued to be dominated by fossil fuels, which accounted for approximately 86% of the total electricity consumption. The remaining 14% was sourced from low-carbon energy, specifically solar power. This demonstrates a reliance on fossil fuels that contributes to pollution and climate change, underscoring the need for a shift towards cleaner energy sources. The usage of low-carbon energy, while present, is confined entirely to solar power, indicating a concentrated but limited effort in reducing carbon emissions.
Is Electricity Growing in Tonga?
In evaluating whether electricity consumption is growing in Tonga, recent data shows that the per capita electricity consumption has decreased to 669 kWh/person in 2023 from a previous high of 762 kWh/person in 2022. This decrease of about 12% indicates a worrying trend of reduced electricity consumption, which could potentially hinder economic growth and development. However, there is a slight achievement in low-carbon electricity generation per capita, which has risen marginally by 1 kWh/person, reaching 96 kWh/person, demonstrating a steady albeit small commitment to clean energy.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Tonga could capitalize on its existing solar infrastructure, given its present contribution of low-carbon energy. Learning from other countries, particularly those with significant success in similar clean energy expansion, could be beneficial. For instance, Lebanon generates nearly a third of its electricity from solar energy, which demonstrates the potential for solar in regions with ample sunlight. Additionally, countries like Cape Verde are notable with more than 10% of their electricity sourced from wind, showcasing viable models for enhancing the transition from fossil dependence to cleaner energy solutions through practical, sustainable methods.
History
Tonga's history in low-carbon electricity generation has been stable but stagnant from 2017 through 2023, with no recorded changes in solar energy generation throughout these years. This underscores a critical need for progressive measures and policies to boost the solar energy sector and explore additional low-carbon solutions. With no significant expansion in low-carbon electricity over recent years, Tonga has an immense opportunity to transform its energy landscape by embracing solar and considering future investments in other low-carbon technologies, ensuring sustainable growth and environmental stewardship.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.