Electricity consumption in Solomon Islands for the year 2023 stands at approximately 138 kWh per person, a figure that highlights a significant gap compared to the global average of 3736 kWh per person. In terms of energy sources, the contribution from low-carbon energy, such as solar and other clean types, is nearly close to none, providing around 13 kWh per person. The majority of electricity appears to come from fossil fuels. When compared to the global context, these numbers show a stark underutilization of clean energy resources, which can be problematic. Low electricity consumption limits economic growth, access to technology, and the overall quality of life and health, given the dependency on clean power for modern infrastructure and industry.

Data sources used on this page include Ember. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Solomon Islands?

There hasn't been growth in overall electricity consumption in the Solomon Islands, with the latest figures showing a decrease of about 22 kWh per person in total electricity usage from a historic high in 2007. The consumption of low-carbon electricity has remained stagnant at 13 kWh per person since last year, reflecting no growth. These trends hint at a stagnation in energy sector development and a continued reliance on fossil fuels without significant investment in modernizing the electricity infrastructure or enhancing the share of clean energy sources, which is worrisome for future sustainability and economic resilience.

Suggestions

Solomon Islands can significantly expand its low-carbon electricity generation by focusing on solar and nuclear energy, drawing lessons from successful regions. For instance, China has made tremendous strides in solar and wind energy, with vast amounts of electricity generated from these sources. Similarly, states like Texas in the US have tapped into wind energy extensively. On the nuclear front, countries such as the United States and France have developed substantial capacity, indicating that investing in nuclear energy can provide a stable and scalable clean energy option. By adopting these proven strategies, Solomon Islands can pave the way for a sustainable energy future, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and combating climate change.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity generation in the Solomon Islands has been relatively uneventful, with the data from 2022 and 2023 showing no growth in solar energy production. This stagnation in clean electricity generation over the recent years calls for a critical examination and a reinvigorated strategy to harness solar power capabilities. As the global demand for cleaner sources of power is rising, the emphasis should be on overcoming these trends and initiating significant projects in solar and potentially nuclear energy. By doing so, Solomon Islands can better align with international efforts of reducing carbon footprints and ensuring sustainable development for its citizens.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade