Electricity in Tonga in 2023
In 2023, Tonga's electricity consumption shows a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, with more than 85% of its electricity generated from these sources, which contribute to climate change and air pollution. In contrast, the share of low-carbon energy—which is crucial for reducing environmental impacts and ensuring a sustainable future—is less than 15%. This low-carbon fraction is currently entirely comprised of solar energy, indicating that Tonga has a foundational base in solar electricity generation. However, the overwhelming dependence on fossil-derived electricity outweighs the efforts seen in solar, demonstrating the potential and necessity for Tonga to further expand its clean energy portfolio.
Data sources used on this page include Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Tonga?
The trend in electricity consumption in Tonga suggests a decline rather than growth, as the latest figures for 2023 show a drop in total electricity usage to 669 kWh/person from a previous high of 762 kWh/person in 2022. This decrease of around 90 kWh/person highlights a concerning development in the country's electricity demand or supply capacity. However, there is a silver lining in terms of low-carbon generation; solar electricity generation remained steady with a slight increase, keeping pace at 96 kWh/person from the previous record. While this plateau in solar electricity emergence is a positive note, the overall shrinkage in consumption signals potential challenges in meeting growing needs through clean energy.
Suggestions
To enhance Tonga's low-carbon electricity generation, expanding its current solar infrastructure seems both viable and strategic. Drawing lessons from successful regions could profoundly assist in this endeavor. For instance, states like Nevada, which generates a third of its electricity from solar power, and Lebanon, with a solar share of 31%, exemplify the potential of solar energy deployment in regions with favorable conditions similar to those in Tonga. Additionally, while nuclear energy is absent from Tonga's current mix, exploring partnerships and technological exchanges with nuclear-strong regions like France, Slovakia, and various U.S. states could introduce a new avenue for achieving low-carbon energy diversity. These examples shine a light on how combining robust solar investments and learning from regions with significant low-carbon shares can create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly electricity landscape for Tonga.
History
The historical trajectory of low-carbon electricity in Tonga reveals a consistent yet stagnant utilization of solar power in recent years. From 2017 to 2023, Tonga's solar electricity generation showed no change, an indication of an unchanged, steady albeit potentially underdeveloped approach to its clean energy expansion. Maintaining similar levels year after year could imply stable operational effectiveness but also hints at potential barriers to scaling up efforts or adopting newer technologies. In comparison to regions with dynamic shifts towards low-carbon energy, such as substantial solar advancements elsewhere, Tonga must consider more aggressive expansion strategies and investment in innovative solutions to rise above the current limitations and future-proof its electricity generation capabilities.
