In 2023, Antigua & Barbuda relied on fossil fuels for about 94% of its electricity consumption, while low-carbon electricity supplied just under 6%. Solar accounted for all of that clean electricity. This leaves substantial room to expand low-carbon generation and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, along with their contributions to climate change and air pollution.

Is Electricity Growing in Antigua & Barbuda?

The latest figures do not show electricity consumption reaching new heights. In 2023, consumption was about 3,860 kWh per person—roughly 100 kWh, or 3%, below the record set in 2018. Low-carbon electricity generation was about 214 kWh per person, slightly below its 2020 peak of around 218 kWh. These comparisons indicate that neither measure has surpassed its previous record, although they do not establish the year-to-year trend. The lack of new highs is concerning given the need for more clean electricity to support electrification and growing digital demand.

Suggestions

Antigua & Barbuda should prioritize expanding solar electricity, drawing lessons from sunny island regions such as Cyprus and the US state of Hawaii, where solar supplies about 23% of electricity. Rooftop installations, larger solar projects, storage, and grid improvements could help deliver that expansion. Cape Verde, where wind generates about 14% of electricity, also offers a relevant island example for exploring wind alongside solar. Nuclear should be considered as part of long-term clean-electricity planning: France generates about two-thirds of its electricity from nuclear, while the United Arab Emirates generates one-fifth. Antigua & Barbuda could learn from their experience and assess appropriately scaled nuclear options and regional cooperation.

History

The supplied historical figures show solar electricity generation changes of 0 TWh in 2015 and in every listed year from 2017 through 2023. At the precision provided, there are therefore no recorded annual increases or decreases across these years; the figures do not necessarily rule out smaller changes hidden by rounding. This history shows no visible momentum in clean-electricity expansion, making a sustained push for additional solar and other low-carbon generation especially important.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade