As of 2022, the electricity generation landscape in Aruba is markedly dominated by fossil energy, which accounts for approximately 83% of the total electricity consumption. However, there is a promising shift with low-carbon energy sources contributing around 17% to the electricity mix. Within the low-carbon sector, wind power emerges as a significant player, contributing about 14% to the total electricity generation, while solar energy makes up the remaining 3%. This demonstrates a good foundation of clean energy infrastructure, highlighting the potential for further growth in the low-carbon energy sector to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, which contribute to climate change and air pollution. The overall electricity consumption in Aruba shows a concerning trend. In 2022, the average electricity consumption was 9,281 kWh per person, a decrease from the previous peak in 2007, which stood at 9,736 kWh per person. This marks a reduction of 454 kWh per person, indicating a decline despite growing global trends in electricity demand associated with electrification and AI advancement. Similarly, the low-carbon electricity generation has not reached its past heights, recording 1,578 kWh per person in 2022, down from a record 1,728 kWh per person in 2015—a drop of 150 kWh per person. Such declines are worrisome, as they potentially slow progress towards sustainable energy goals and underscore the urgent need for renewed focus on increasing clean energy capacity. To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Aruba can leverage the existing foundation in wind energy by expanding its wind power capacity, as this is where the country has already seen substantial contributions. Additionally, Aruba can take cues from successful regions. For instance, Denmark and Iowa operate with wind energy contributing 60% and 57% of their electricity, respectively, showcasing what is achievable through strategic investments in wind infrastructure. In the solar arena, states like California and countries like Lebanon demonstrate that solar power can account for over 30% of electricity generation. Hence, Aruba would benefit from intensifying its solar capacity investment. For a more comprehensive clean energy transition, considering the integration of nuclear power akin to France’s successful model, which generates 67% of its electricity from nuclear energy, could offer Aruba a reliable low-carbon electricity supply that complements wind and solar energy. The history of low-carbon electricity development in Aruba reveals modest growth efforts primarily in the wind sector. The early years, between 2009 and 2015, saw a small but pivotal gain in wind electricity generation, with a notable increment of 0.1 TWh in 2010. Unfortunately, the following years depicted negligible advancements across both wind and solar sectors. From 2014 through 2021, the changes in electricity generation from these sources stagnated, indicating limited improvements or expansions. This lack of advancement in recent years highlights the critical need for increased strategic investments and policy frameworks aimed at accelerating the growth of low-carbon electricity generation in Aruba to meet future energy demands.

Is Electricity Growing in Aruba?

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