Electricity in Antigua & Barbuda in 2023
In 2023, Antigua & Barbuda's electricity consumption is overwhelmingly reliant on fossil fuels, which account for more than 90% of the total electricity mix. Clean energy sources make up a mere 5.56% of the electricity generation, with solar energy being the sole contributor in this category. This heavy dependence on fossil fuels presents significant challenges, particularly in terms of environmental impact, including climate change and air pollution. Encouragingly, Antigua & Barbuda's foray into solar electricity is a stepping stone towards a greener horizon, but there's still immense potential for the expansion of low-carbon electricity generation, including both solar and other clean energy sources.
Data sources used on this page include Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Antigua & Barbuda?
In terms of overall electricity consumption, Antigua & Barbuda shows signs of stagnation. The total electricity consumption hovers around 3,859 kWh per person in 2023, which is slightly below the country's previous peak of 3,961 kWh per person in 2018. This represents a decrease of 102 kWh per person from the historical high. Likewise, clean electricity production also reflects a slight decline from its 2020 record, with a reduction of 3 kWh per person. Both general and low-carbon electricity consumption trends suggest a slowing pace, raising concerns about the country's ability to meet growing demands if the current trajectory continues.
Suggestions
Antigua & Barbuda can look to successful regions that have embraced certain clean energy technologies to enhance their low-carbon electricity generation. Lebanon and Nevada, for instance, have achieved solar contributions of 31% and 30%, respectively. These examples demonstrate the potential for significant growth in solar electricity. Additionally, expanding into nuclear energy, as seen in France and Slovakia with contributions close to or exceeding two-thirds of their electricity, can provide a reliable and constant clean energy source. To grow its clean electricity mix, Antigua & Barbuda should prioritize investment in both solar and nuclear energy, learning from these success stories and fostering partnerships or acquiring technologies to facilitate such developments.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Antigua & Barbuda indicates that the island has been slow to start, with no increase in solar electricity generation from 2015 to 2023. The consistent recording of zero-change year after year underscores a period of stagnation in adopting clean technologies. This calls for a strategic reevaluation to secure a more dynamic and assertive approach towards embedding low-carbon solutions into the national grid. Embracing widespread solar projects and considering nuclear energy can significantly change the electricity landscape, ensuring energy security and aiding in the global endeavor to mitigate climate-related challenges.
