Electricity in American Samoa in 2023

As of 2023, American Samoa's electricity generation relies completely on fossil fuels. This means that none of its electricity comes from low-carbon sources such as nuclear, wind, or solar energy. The total dependence on fossil fuels can contribute to significant environmental challenges, including climate change and air pollution, due to the harmful emissions associated with these energy sources. This situation stands in contrast to many other regions and countries around the world that have begun to integrate low-carbon energy solutions into their electricity grids.

Suggestions

To increase the adoption of low-carbon electricity generation, American Samoa can look to the successful practices of countries and regions worldwide. For example, Denmark generates more than half of its electricity from wind energy, demonstrating the potential of harnessing this sustainable resource. Similarly, other island regions like Samoa and Vanuatu have made strides with solar, producing around 13% of their electricity from this clean source. By investing in the development of solar and wind projects, American Samoa could greatly reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. Learning from these examples, American Samoa could also explore the introduction of nuclear energy, as seen in countries like France and Slovakia, where it contributes to more than half of their electricity generation.

History

In terms of historical development, American Samoa's journey with low-carbon electricity has been static, with no significant changes reported in recent years. For instance, in 2022, solar electricity generation did not increase, suggesting that there have been few advancements in integrating clean energy sources into the electricity mix. This lack of progress highlights an opportunity for American Samoa to explore and invest in clean energy technologies to diversify its energy portfolio and transition towards a more sustainable electricity system. The absence of change in recent years underscores the urgent need for adopting innovative approaches to increase the share of low-carbon electricity.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources