In Vanuatu, electricity consumption per capita currently stands at 250 kWh in 2023. The country's electricity generation leans on low-carbon sources, with almost a third, specifically around 62 kWh per person, coming from clean technologies like solar. This leaves the majority of electricity generation reliant on fossil fuels, reflecting a significant area for improvement. Compared to the global average of 3781 kWh/person, Vanuatu's electricity consumption is markedly lower, demonstrating a limited capacity to harness modern technological advancements and economic development. Such low levels of electricity generation can hinder economic progress, reduce the quality of life, and limit access to essential services, thereby impacting the overall socio-economic environment.
Is Electricity Growing in Vanuatu?
Electricity usage in Vanuatu has seen a disappointing decrease from its peak consumption of 308 kWh/person in 2019, resulting in a decline of 59 kWh/person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has fallen from a previous high of 103 kWh/person in 2019 to the current 62 kWh/person, indicating a significant drop of 40 kWh/person. These declines highlight the urgent need for strategic interventions to boost electricity generation, especially from sustainable sources, to reverse these negative trends and accommodate future growth. The declining figures reflect potential challenges such as insufficient infrastructure investment or economic setbacks that need addressing to elevate electricity standards in Vanuatu.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Vanuatu could expand its existing solar infrastructure, building on its growing contribution from solar energy. Regions like Australia, which generates 50 TWh from solar, and California in the United States, producing 48 TWh from solar, serve as excellent examples of how solar capacity can significantly contribute to a region's energy mix. Additionally, investing in reliable clean energy like nuclear could offer long-term stability and sustainability. Although Vanuatu might not yet have nuclear infrastructure, observing how countries like France and South Korea lead in nuclear electricity generation with 379 TWh and 189 TWh respectively demonstrates the potential of such investments. The lessons from these successful regions can guide Vanuatu in diversifying and growing its low-carbon electricity portfolio through a balanced mix of solar and nuclear development.
History
Historically, Vanuatu has not recorded significant growth or decline in low-carbon electricity generation, with energy types such as wind and hydro consistently showing no incremental changes annually. From 2013 to 2023, neither wind nor hydro contributed to substantial increases in electricity generation, mirroring a decade of stagnation. Even solar, despite its low current output, hasn't shown signs of noteworthy growth. This historical context reflects missed opportunities in capitalizing on clean energy sources, which could have otherwise propelled the nation towards greater energy independence and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. A commitment to elevating low-carbon electricity generation would set Vanuatu on a path towards cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.