Electricity in Brunei in 2023
In the year 2023, Brunei's electricity consumption is entirely reliant on fossil fuels, with gas making up more than three-quarters and coal accounting for just over a fifth. Unfortunately, this means there is currently no low-carbon or clean electricity generation happening in Brunei, as low-carbon sources like nuclear and solar are not yet a part of the energy mix. This complete dependence on fossil fuels not only contributes to climate change and air pollution but also means Brunei is not benefiting from the diverse energy security and environmental advantages that come with low-carbon electricity production.
Is Electricity Growing in Brunei?
Brunei's electricity consumption is currently on a downward trend. Although the country had reached a peak consumption level of 12,831 kWh per person in 2020, this figure has since decreased by around 650 kWh to a level of 12,181 kWh per person in 2023. Alongside this decline, Brunei's low-carbon electricity generation has also faltered, dropping to zero from a modest 5 kWh per person in 2011. This worrying trend showcases the potential lost opportunities for growth and sustainable development that low-carbon electricity could offer.
Suggestions
To pivot towards a more sustainable energy future, Brunei can look to successful examples from other regions that have integrated low-carbon energy sources into their electricity mix. France and Slovakia, for instance, generate over 60% of their electricity from nuclear energy, demonstrating nuclear power's role as a reliable and significant low-carbon energy source. Meanwhile, countries like Lebanon and Greece have made impressive strides in solar energy generation, with solar contributing to around 31% and 25% of their electricity production, respectively. These examples from both nuclear and solar energy implementation present a roadmap for Brunei to modernize its energy landscape and ensure a clean, sustainable future. By investing in nuclear and solar technologies, Brunei could reduce its dependence on fossil fuels while also contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.
History
Historically, Brunei has not seen any noticeable progress in low-carbon electricity generation. Over the past decade, there has been no change in electricity generation from solar power, as the production levels remained flat from 2011 through 2018. The lack of uptake in solar energy or other clean sources represents a significant missed opportunity, and highlights the urgent need for policy and investment strategies geared towards fostering the development of renewable electricity sources. By learning from the successes of other regions and decisively targeting increased low-carbon energy integration, Brunei can dramatically improve its energy profile and environmental performance in the coming years.