Papua New Guinea's electricity consumption in 2023 is primarily driven by fossil fuels, which account for more than three-quarters of the total electricity generation. The majority of fossil-based electricity comes from gas, making up a significant portion of this category. On the other hand, low-carbon or clean electricity sources contribute to nearly a quarter of the country's overall electricity supply. Within this category, hydropower stands out as the dominant source, providing more than 21% of the electricity. Geothermal also contributes to the low-carbon mix, though it accounts for only a small portion, a bit more than 2%. Despite the presence of these clean energy sources, there's a clear need for Papua New Guinea to increase its reliance on low-carbon electricity to make substantial progress towards environmental sustainability.
Data sources used on this page include EIA and Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Papua New Guinea?
When examining the trend of electricity consumption in Papua New Guinea, there has been a noticeable decrease since the country's consumption peaked almost two decades ago. As of 2023, the total electricity consumption has fallen to 455 kWh per person, down from the record of 555 kWh per person in 2004. This trend of decline is mirrored in the generation of low-carbon electricity, which once peaked in 1995 with 194 kWh per person but has now decreased to 108 kWh per person. These changes indicate that both overall and low-carbon electricity consumption have seen reductions, highlighting a concerning stagnation in growth, especially crucial as the country faces increasing demands for electricity-driven development and sustainability efforts.
Suggestions
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Papua New Guinea can draw valuable lessons from various regions across the globe. Countries like France and Slovakia have successfully leveraged nuclear power, where it makes up more than two-thirds of their electricity. Adopting nuclear energy could significantly boost Papua New Guinea's clean electricity output. Meanwhile, states in the United States, such as Iowa and South Dakota, have harnessed wind power to contribute more than half of their electricity needs. Likewise, Denmark has achieved a similar feat with wind. These examples underscore the potential of both nuclear and wind energy to transform Papua New Guinea's energy landscape. Additionally, the expansion of solar power, as seen in Nevada and California, where solar accounts for more than 30% of electricity, could also be a viable path for Papua New Guinea, ensuring a diverse and resilient clean energy portfolio.
History
Historically, Papua New Guinea has experienced fluctuations in its low-carbon electricity generation primarily driven by hydropower. In the mid-1980s, there were minor increases, but the late 1990s saw significant changes, including a notable rise in 1995 and a decline in 1997. The early 2000s witnessed the emergence of geothermal as a new low-carbon player, starting in 2003, with subsequent increases in 2005 and 2007. More recent developments include fluctuations in hydropower, with declines from 2017 towards 2022, briefly disrupted by a minor boost in 2019. While geothermal faced setbacks like the considerable drop in 2018, the overall trajectory suggests a strong potential for both hydropower and geothermal, although reinforced efforts and expanded focus on other green sources can further solidify the country's clean energy framework.
