Electricity in Timor-Leste in 2023
In 2023, electricity consumption in Timor-Leste stood significantly below the global average, with more than half of its electricity generated from fossil energy. The country's electricity consumption reached approximately 368 kWh per person, which is far below the global average of 3781 kWh per person. This substantial gap in electricity usage indicates that Timor-Leste has yet to realize the potential benefits of electrification, such as improved quality of life and enhanced economic productivity. Additionally, this low level of electricity generation can contribute to challenges in health, education, and infrastructure development, as consistent and reliable access to electricity plays a crucial role in advancing these sectors. It is also noticeable that close to none of their electricity comes from low-carbon or clean energy sources, underscoring the need for urgent transition strategies towards sustainable electricity generation.
Is Electricity Growing in Timor-Leste?
Electricity consumption has experienced a decline in Timor-Leste from a previous high in 2019 when consumption was 400 kWh per person. The current figures indicate a decrease of nearly 8% from those peak levels, which is concerning as it suggests stagnation rather than growth in energy access and electrification. Particularly alarming is the lack of progress in low-carbon electricity generation - a record in line with 2003 numbers where more than half of the country's electricity was derived from fossil sources. The fact that Timor-Leste has not managed to increase its low-carbon electricity generation reinforces the pressing need to integrate sustainable energy strategies into the country's power framework.
Suggestions
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Timor-Leste can benefit from examining strategies employed by successful regions. Countries like India and China are remarkable references for utilizing solar energy, with India generating 150 TWh and China 890 TWh of electricity from solar sources. Similarly, for wind energy, Brazil and Texas serve as excellent models, generating 111 TWh and 126 TWh, respectively, showcasing that significant power requirements can be met through clean energy. While nuclear energy might seem out of reach due to its high initial investment, looking towards regions like France and Illinois could inspire plans for long-term sustainable growth. By studying these models, Timor-Leste can harness the sun's power and winds prevalent on its territory to drive a clean energy transition.
History
Historically, low-carbon electricity generation in Timor-Leste has been static, as seen in data across the recent decades. There have been close to none significant gains or declines reported within these years, indicating a stagnation in their energy evolution. While many regions around the world have been rapidly adapting to increase their clean energy share, Timor-Leste's electricity generation portfolio has not experienced similar advancements. This lack of adaptation has delayed the transition to a more sustainable and resilient energy system, calling for an immediate shift towards increasing solar and potentially exploring nuclear options to ensure the country's energy future aligns with global sustainability goals. Continued reliance on fossil fuels perpetuates environmental impacts like climate change and air pollution, emphasizing the necessity for swift and strategic renewable energy integration in Timor-Leste's electricity infrastructure.