As of 2022, Macao SAR China relies intensively on electricity imported from other regions, with net imports making up more than 90% of its total electricity consumption. Fossil fuels comprise a small fraction of this mix at approximately 5%, primarily utilizing gas. The contribution of low-carbon energy is similarly minor, representing less than 4% of the total, and is exclusively sourced from biofuels. This reliance on external sources and fossil energy, which has known ties to climate change and air pollution, suggests significant space for Macao SAR China to bolster its sustainable energy generation efforts.

Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and Enerdata. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Macao SAR China?

Unfortunately, electricity consumption in Macao SAR China is witnessing a decline. In 2022, the per capita electricity consumption was recorded at 7610 kWh, marking a decrease from the record high of 8674 kWh per person in 2019. This represents a reduction of more than 1000 kWh per person. Low-carbon electricity generation per person also saw a decrease from its previous peak of 426 kWh in 2014 to 284 kWh in 2022, indicating a drop of nearly 150 kWh. The consistent decline in both overall and low-carbon electricity highlights a pressing need for revitalization, especially with increased demand for clean energy due to electrification and the advancement of technologies like AI.

Suggestions

To accelerate the transition to low-carbon electricity, Macao SAR China should look towards regions that have successfully implemented advanced clean energy technologies. Countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear power generates more than 60% of electricity, demonstrate the potential for harnessing nuclear energy. Similarly, regions like Nevada and California, with significant solar contributions at over 30%, underscore the viability of solar energy in reducing fossil fuel dependency. Macao SAR China can learn from these regions to develop a robust energy strategy, enhancing its focus on nuclear and solar initiatives to ensure a sustainable and self-reliant energy future.

History

Reviewing Macao SAR China's historical low-carbon electricity generation reveals minimal alterations over the past decades. Biofuels briefly contributed 0.1 TWh annually in the early 2000s, but this contribution ceased by 2015, leading to nearly zero low-carbon electricity generation in the following years. This stagnation points to missed opportunities for growth in the domain of clean energy and serves as a clarion call to invest aggressively in emerging technologies like nuclear and solar going forward. The incongruence between historical contributions and potential growth underscores an urgent need for strategic changes in energy planning to achieve a cleaner and more sustainable electricity mix.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade