In 2022, electricity generation in French Polynesia was predominantly reliant on fossil fuels, accounting for more than half the total electricity consumption. Low-carbon energy sources made up a little over a third, at about 34%, with hydropower as the leading contributor among them. Hydropower provided almost 27% of the total electricity, while solar energy contributed only about 7%. This division highlights the region’s dependency on fossil fuels, which is concerning given the global push towards reducing carbon emissions and enhancing sustainable electricity generation.
Data sources used on this page include Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in French Polynesia?
Examining electricity consumption trends, it becomes evident that electricity use in French Polynesia has declined over the years. In 2022, the average electricity consumption per person was 2533 kWh, a noticeable decrease from the 2010 record of 2920 kWh per person. This decline is accompanied by a decrease in per capita low-carbon electricity generation, slipping from 998 kWh in 2010 to 856 kWh in 2022. Such reductions can hamper the region's progress towards clean energy goals, suggesting a need for strategic initiatives to boost electricity consumption and increase reliance on low-carbon sources.
Suggestions
To augment low-carbon electricity generation, French Polynesia could take cues from various regions successfully expanding their clean energy portfolios. For instance, North Macedonia has made significant strides in solar energy, generating almost half of its electricity through this method. Drawing inspiration from the use of solar energy in countries like Lebanon and states like California, where solar accounts for a significant share of electricity generation, could be beneficial. Similarly, French Polynesia could consider the integration of nuclear power—evident in countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy constitutes between two-thirds and half of their electricity supply—as a viable path to diversify and stabilize its energy mix towards a sustainable future.
History
The historical progress of low-carbon electricity in French Polynesia indicates some stability in hydropower generation from the early 2000s into the present, with small growth and slight fluctuations over the years. Minor declines were noted, such as in 2011 and 2013, but these were not substantial enough to halt the overall trend. Solar energy has seen a more recent introduction, with no remarkable growth in initial years. This consistency over decades, however, points to a stagnation that, without renewed focus and ambition, might prevent French Polynesia from achieving substantial increases in sustainable electricity generation. Embracing innovation and learning from successful regions could propel necessary advancements in creating a robust, low-carbon energy infrastructure.
