As of 2023, electricity consumption in Papua New Guinea is predominantly reliant on fossil fuels, which accounts for more than three-quarters of the total electricity generation. Clean energy sources, making up nearly a quarter of the electricity mix, play a critical but supporting role. Hydropower is the primary contributor to this clean energy share, constituting just over a fifth of the total electricity production. Geothermal energy, although present, contributes a modest portion, highlighting the potential for expansion in low-carbon electricity generation to minimize the environmental impact compared to the significant reliance on gas and fossil fuels.
Is Electricity Growing in Papua New Guinea?
The trend in electricity consumption in Papua New Guinea reflects a worrying decline over time. The current electricity consumption stands at 455 kWh per person, which is a significant drop from the historic high of 555 kWh per person recorded in 2004. Low-carbon electricity generation has dwindled even more sharply, with the latest figures at 108 kWh per person, compared to 194 kWh per person back in 1995. The decline in both overall and low-carbon electricity consumption underscores the urgent need for strategic investments in clean energy infrastructure to ensure sustainable growth and better meet the growing energy demands.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Papua New Guinea can draw lessons from several regions successfully incorporating clean energy sources. Countries with vibrant solar and nuclear sectors such as Lebanon, where solar makes up 31% of electricity generation, showcase the immense potential of solar power. Additionally, nuclear power, as seen in France, contributes a massive 69% of electricity, highlighting a reliable and scalable model for sustainable energy. Encouraging solar and nuclear energy development can significantly elevate Papua New Guinea's clean electricity production, thereby reducing the detrimental impact of fossil fuels and promoting a healthier energy mix.
History
Historically, Papua New Guinea's investment in low-carbon electricity has been erratic, with noticeable fluctuations in hydropower and geothermal generation over the decades. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, there was a steady but minor increase in hydropower capacity. However, the mid-1990s to the early 2000s saw variable changes, with both reductions and occasional increases in generation capacity, such as the geothermal developments in 2003 and 2005. The latter years have seen further inconsistency, with dips and rises, including a geothermal setback in 2018. Overall, this patchy growth pattern indicates a need for a consistent and robust policy approach supporting stable and diversified clean energy investment to achieve a more sustainable and reliable electricity framework.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.