Electricity in Tonga in 2021

Tonga's electricity consumption currently remains considerably below the global average of 410 watts per person. The use of fossil energy over low-carbon energy is the predominant trend, with a substantial reliance on imported petrol and diesel for power generation. While the adoption of clean, low-carbon energy solutions is gathering pace, much remains to be done to reduce the country's dependency on carbon-intensive fossil fuel sources. The effects of this low level of electricity generation are numerous, including suppressed economic activities, limited access to modern amenities and slow progress towards climate mitigation goals.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Tonga could certainly look towards expanding its existing solar energy capabilities. Solar power, already a significant contributor to Tonga's energy mix, offers an effective and sustainable avenue for clean energy generation. Looking to successful examples from around the world, countries like China and the United States have made substantial strides in solar and wind power. The People's Republic of China, for instance, generated a whopping 523 terawatt-hours (TWh) of solar electricity in 2021, underlining the immense potential of this energy source for small island nations like Tonga.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in Tonga, unfortunately, tells a tale of missed opportunities. With the data available for the last five years, Tonga has shown no increase in its solar electricity generation. From 2017 to 2021, the progression of solar power remained stagnant, with no change in electricity generation from this source noted. Considering the country's ideal geographic positioning for solar power harnessing, this stagnation represents a notable setback in Tonga's transition to a low-carbon future. Looking forward, the need for strategic investments in solar and other forms of clean energy production is more crucial than ever, aligning Tonga's growth narrative with the global drive towards a sustainable tomorrow.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources