Electricity in Tonga in 2023
In 2023, Tonga's electricity consumption has shown a marked reliance on fossil fuels, with over 85% of its electricity derived from these sources. Meanwhile, low-carbon energy, exclusively generated by solar power, contributes approximately 14% to the country's electricity mix. This indicates a modest presence of clean energy in Tonga's overall electricity generation profile. The country's dependence on fossil fuels is concerning given the global push towards more sustainable energy solutions to combat climate change and its impacts.
Data sources used on this page include Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Tonga?
A closer look at the consumption trends in Tonga reveals a decrease in electricity use per person, from a historic high of 762 kWh/person in 2022 down to 669 kWh/person in 2023. This decline of 92 kWh/person suggests a contraction in electricity utilization, which could be due to various factors such as economic challenges or energy efficiency measures. Interestingly, low-carbon electricity generation has remained stable, with a slight increase from 95 kWh/person in 2022 to 96 kWh/person in 2023. While this is a positive sign for clean energy, the overall decrease in electricity consumption highlights the need for strategic planning to foster growth in both electricity demand and low-carbon generation.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation in Tonga, particularly solar power, investment in expanding solar infrastructure is crucial. Tonga can learn from regions where solar and wind energy have a strong foothold. For instance, Nevada generates a significant portion of its electricity—33%—from solar power, indicating the potential of solar energy. Additionally, considering the incorporation of nuclear energy, Tonga could draw inspiration from countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy comprises more than half of their electricity mix. Emulating these regions' strategies could guide Tonga towards a more resilient and sustainable electricity system, enhancing energy security and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
History
Historically, Tonga's journey with low-carbon electricity generation through solar power has not seen significant fluctuations. From 2017 through 2023, solar energy's contribution to electricity generation has remained consistent, showing no changes in output. This stability suggests that while solar power is an accepted part of Tonga's energy landscape, there have been no significant advancements or policy shifts to boost its contribution further. This lack of progress is a missed opportunity in the context of global shifts towards increasing low-carbon electricity production, where Tonga could play a more ambitious role by scaling up its solar capacity.
