Electricity in Antigua & Barbuda in 2021

In 2021, more than 90% of Antigua & Barbuda's electricity consumption was supplied by fossil fuels, indicating a strong reliance on these energy types. Conversely, low-carbon energy sources made a comparably minor contribution at just under 6%. Of this, the sole contributor was solar energy which provided the entirety of the low-carbon electricity supply. This state of affairs reveals an extremely stark contrast between fossil fuel utilisation and low-carbon energy use in the country's electricity production.

Suggestions

Drawing inspiration from global best practices, there are several pathways through which Antigua & Barbuda could increase its reliance on low-carbon electricity. Countries with similar climate characteristics - like Greece and Australia - have increasingly tapped into the potential of solar energy, generating almost a fifth of their electricity from this source, thereby demonstrating achievable benchmarks for Antigua & Barbuda. Given the nation's suitability for harnessing sun-generated energy, a scaled investment in solar infrastructure could significantly increase its low-carbon contribution. Wind energy, on the other hand, represents an equally promising avenue. Denmark, a leading name in wind energy, generates nearly 60% of its electricity through wind. With a considerable wind energy potential, Antigua & Barbuda could follow this lead, balancing its energy mix while moving towards a sustainable future.

History

Looking at the history of low-carbon electricity in Antigua & Barbuda, it's clear that the nation has largely relied on solar energy, despite the lack of significant progress. From the year 2015 through 2021, there has been no notable change in this consumption pattern. Every year, the total contribution of solar energy to the electricity grid remained consistently negligible. This constant trend underscores the need for the country to reassess and amplify its efforts in accelerating the low-carbon transition, aiming for a more balanced, sustainable, and future-forward electricity mix.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources