The current state of electricity consumption in American Samoa is entirely reliant on fossil fuels. In 2023, 100% of its electricity came from fossil energy sources, translating into significant challenges regarding sustainability and environmental impact. The complete lack of low-carbon energy sources, such as solar or nuclear power, presents an opportunity for major strides in enhancing environmental stewardship and supporting global climate goals. Adopting low-carbon energy sources could significantly decrease reliance on fossil fuels, helping American Samoa reduce carbon emissions and pollution.

Data sources used on this page include Ember. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in American Samoa?

In terms of electricity growth, American Samoa has seen a reduction in consumption levels. The latest figure for 2023 indicates an electricity consumption of 3579 kWh per person, which reflects a decrease from the previous high in 2022, where 3725 kWh per person was recorded. This decline of 146 kWh per person also aligns with a drop in low-carbon electricity generation, which fell to zero from the previous year’s 207 kWh per person. This downturn indicates not only stagnation but a worrying trend of reduced clean energy use, suggesting a need for urgent policy intervention to reverse this decline and pursue more sustainable energy alternatives.

Suggestions

To boost low-carbon electricity generation, American Samoa could take inspiration from regions successful in solar and nuclear energy adoption. For instance, California has been able to generate about 31% of its electricity from solar power, demonstrating the state’s commitment to investing in sunshine-rich clean energy solutions, which could be substantially beneficial for American Samoa given its similar sunny climate. Additionally, France's utilization of nuclear energy, which comprises 67% of its total electricity, illustrates the potential for consistent and robust low-carbon energy production. By leveraging both solar and nuclear technologies, American Samoa could substantially decrease its dependence on fossil fuels and meet rising electricity demands through sustainable sources.

History

Historically, American Samoa's low-carbon electricity generation has been negligible. In 2022, solar energy saw no significant change, as its contribution remained at zero TWh. This lack of growth highlights a stark absence of past investment in low-carbon technologies. Transitioning to a clean energy future could maximize energy security and diversify energy sources for American Samoa. Despite the challenges, adopting learned strategies from other regions could pave a path towards a sustainable and resilient energy infrastructure in the territory, significantly reducing its carbon footprint and ensuring a clean and bright future for its residents.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade