In 2023, the electricity consumption in Vanuatu stands at 250 kWh per person, which is significantly lower than the global average of 3781 kWh per person. This limited power usage is mainly due to a substantial reliance on fossil fuels and a minimal contribution from clean energy sources. Specifically, low-carbon energy accounts for around 62 kWh per person, which translates to less than a quarter of the total electricity consumption. This stark contrast to the global averages illustrates an urgent need for expansion in low-carbon electricity generation to curb the effects of reliance on fossil fuels, such as climate change and air pollution. With such low electricity generation, Vanuatu faces challenges in achieving sustainable development and meeting modern energy needs, which can limit economic growth and improvements in quality of life.
Is Electricity Growing in Vanuatu?
Examining the trends, electricity consumption in Vanuatu has actually declined since 2019, when it topped 308 kWh per person. Presently, it sits at 250 kWh per person, a drop of about 59 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation is also on a downward trajectory, dropping from 103 kWh per person in 2019 to only 62 kWh per person in 2023, marking a decrease of 40 kWh per person. This reduction in both total and low-carbon electricity is a concerning trend that underscores the need for proactive measures to boost clean electricity generation and restructure the current energy mix, creating a stronger foundation for growth and sustainability.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Vanuatu should focus on expanding existing solar technologies, given their already significant contribution to the island's electricity supply. Regions with successful solar expansions, such as India with 154 TWh and Japan with 103 TWh in solar electricity, serve as excellent examples for adopting large-scale solar projects. Moreover, considering the global success of nuclear power, as observed in countries like France with 363 TWh and the United States with 778 TWh, Vanuatu should explore nuclear energy to ensure a steady and secure electricity supply. Emulating the advancements in these regions could facilitate substantial improvements in Vanuatu’s energy infrastructure, empowering the move to a more sustainable and reliable electricity system.
History
Historically, low-carbon electricity generation in Vanuatu has seen little variation, with zero contributions from wind from 2013 to 2023. Similarly, hydroelectric and solar power saw no growth from their inception in 2018 until 2023, indicating a stagnation in low-carbon electricity development. This lack of progress in clean energy solutions is disheartening and has likely contributed to the decline in overall electricity consumption in recent years. The absence of significant increases in low-carbon electricity highlights an overdue necessity for strategic investments and policies promoting green energy solutions, which can promote sustainable development and energy security while reducing environmental impacts. Improving the integration and expansion of clean technologies is crucial for Vanuatu to redefine its electricity landscape positively.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.