Electricity in Antigua & Barbuda in 2023
In 2023, electricity consumption in Antigua & Barbuda heavily relies on fossil fuel sources, which account for over 90% of the total electricity generation. Low-carbon electricity generation, comprised entirely of solar energy, contributes a little more than 5% to the overall energy mix. This highlights a significant imbalance in energy sourcing, with clean and sustainable options like solar and potential future expansions into nuclear, contributing minimally to the national grid. The country has a considerable opportunity to enhance its environmental footprint and reduce emissions by increasing its share of low-carbon electricity.
Is Electricity Growing in Antigua & Barbuda?
Looking at the trends in electricity consumption in Antigua & Barbuda, recent numbers paint a picture of stagnation at best. The latest data shows electricity consumption at approximately 3,857 kWh per person, which unfortunately marks a slight decline from the historic high of 3,959 kWh per person in 2018. This stagnation extends to low-carbon electricity as well, with the latest figure slightly decreasing from the 2020 record of 218 kWh per person to 214 kWh per person. Although these changes in electricity consumption figures may seem minor, they are indicative of a concerning trend that calls for proactive measures to reverse and accelerate growth, especially in the clean energy sector, to meet future demands and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Antigua & Barbuda can learn from the experiences of similar countries with successful clean energy strategies. Lebanon offers a pertinent example with its significant reliance on solar at approximately 31%, showcasing the potential of solar energy in similar geographies. Additionally, the robust nuclear programs in countries like France and Slovakia, accounting for about 68% and 62% of their electricity respectively, demonstrate the immense potential of nuclear energy as a backbone for low-carbon electricity generation. By investing in and expanding solar and potentially nuclear energies, Antigua & Barbuda could greatly enhance its low-carbon electricity output, mitigate climate change impacts, and bolster its energy security for the future.
History
Historically, Antigua & Barbuda has seen negligible growth in low-carbon electricity generation from solar energy, with data from 2015 to 2023 showing zero significant changes year over year. This trend points towards a missed opportunity in scaling up solar energy contributions to the national electricity supply. Despite this unchanged landscape, the potential to break this cycle exists by adopting aggressive policies and incentives to support solar projects and considering a visionary approach towards incorporating nuclear energy. Accelerating the transition to low-carbon electricity is not just environmentally imperative but crucial for sustainable development and overcoming the challenges posed by the heavy reliance on fossil fuels.