In 2022, the Cook Islands witnessed an equal split in their electricity consumption, with low-carbon sources and fossil energy each contributing roughly 50% to the total. Notably, solar power accounted for the entire low-carbon share, indicating significant utilization of this clean energy technology. This balanced contribution from solar power underscores the islands' dependence on sustainable practices, even as fossil fuels continue to supply the other half. With the global shift toward green energy to combat climate change and improve air quality, the Cook Islands have an opportunity to further enhance their clean energy mix, reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
Is Electricity Growing in Cook Islands?
Electricity consumption trends reveal a decrease in overall usage, with the 2022 figures falling to 2,720 kWh per person, down from the peak of 3,015 kWh in 2018. This decline of nearly 300 kWh indicates a potential area of concern for sustaining electricity availability and supporting future growth. However, there is a silver lining in the low-carbon sector, where solar energy generation increased slightly by 41 kWh per person in 2022 compared to the previous record in 2021. This upward trend in clean electricity presents a positive trajectory towards expanding sustainable energy, which can help address the shrinking overall consumption.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, the Cook Islands can focus on further expanding their solar capacities, building on the established foundation of this clean energy source. Learning from regions that significantly rely on nuclear and wind power, the Cook Islands can explore integrating these technologies to diversify their energy mix. For example, countries like France and Slovakia, which generate more than 60% of their electricity from nuclear power, demonstrate the potential of this green technology in achieving substantial low-carbon generation. Similarly, states like Iowa and South Dakota achieve more than 60% of electricity from wind, offering valuable insights into harnessing wind power. By adopting best practices from these regions, the Cook Islands can enhance their clean energy footprint and drive progress toward a sustainable future.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in the Cook Islands has shown considerable stability in the solar sector over recent years. From 2017 to 2022, solar power generation remained consistently stable with no changes recorded, indicating a steady reliance on solar energy as a key clean power source. While stability in solar energy is commendable, it's crucial to advocate for further growth in this sector, reflecting global trends of expanding solar and nuclear capacities to cater to increasing energy demands. Given the lack of fluctuations in solar power generation, strategic investments in infrastructure and technology can help amplify the growth of low-carbon electricity in the Cook Islands, aligning with global efforts toward cleaner energy solutions.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.