Electricity in Aruba in 2021
In 2021, the Caribbean island of Aruba's electricity consumption was largely reliant on fossil fuel energy sources, accounting for more than 80% of the island's total consumption. Low-carbon energy was responsible for almost 20% of total electricity usage, with wind power generating the significant majority of this percentage. Solar power accounted for a little over 1% of the total electricity consumed. Interestingly, Aruba does not import or export any electricity, relying solely on its domestic resources for energy production.
Suggestions
Creating a sustainable and greener future for Aruba would involve considerable growth in low-carbon electricity production. One immediate step is amplifying the current wind energy farm capacity given its existing contribution to the electric grid. Furthermore, we can learn substantial lessons from nations who have effectively escalated their low-carbon power generation. Denmark, with their impressive wind power contribution of 52%, is an exemplary model for Aruba, particularly since the island's weather conditions are similarly favorable for wind generation. Additionally, Aruba can explore potential areas of solar energy expansion, influenced by countries like Australia and El Salvador who respectively generate 13% of their electricity from solar power.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Aruba has been a slow but steady process. Wind power entered the island's electricity grid in 2009, and incrementally increased generation by 0.1 TWh the following year. Afterwards, the wind electricity production remained notably constant up until 2021, with no significant changes. Similarly, solar energy was introduced in 2014 with no major fluctuations in the generation since its introduction. Despite no declines in low-carbon electricity generation, Aruba's progression in wind and solar electricity production has remained quite stable over these years.