Electricity in Aruba in 2022

In 2022, Aruba's electricity consumption was predominantly reliant on fossil fuels, with 85% of its electricity generated from these sources. This heavy dependency highlights a significant area for improvement in moving towards more sustainable energy practices. On the low-carbon front, Aruba's clean energy contribution was about 15%, with wind energy accounting for the vast majority at over 14%, and solar energy contributing a minimal 1%. The current state of electricity generation reflects a need for more aggressive adoption of low-carbon energy solutions to reduce environmental impacts and enhance energy sustainability on the island.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Aruba can focus on expanding its wind energy capacity, which already plays a substantial role in the island's clean energy mix. Learning from countries with successful wind energy implementations, such as Denmark, where wind represents nearly 60% of their electricity, could provide valuable insights for Aruba. Furthermore, looking closer to home, Uruguay's success in generating 36% of its electricity from wind energy offers a relatable model for Aruba to emulate. Along with expanding wind power, Aruba could also consider solar energy advancements, inspired by Greece and Chile, where solar power stands at over 20% and 21%, respectively. These examples demonstrate effective strategies to diversify clean energy sources and increase their share in the electricity landscape.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in Aruba shows that significant efforts towards expanding wind and solar generation began in the early 2010s. In 2010, wind saw a modest increase of 0.1 TWh, marking the beginning of its role in Aruba's electricity generation. However, from 2011 to 2021, both wind and solar energy experienced no further increases in output, indicating a period of stagnation in the expansion of these clean energy sources. It is crucial that Aruba accelerates its development of low-carbon technologies, learning from its past and embracing the strategies of peer countries that have effectively increased their clean energy share. By focusing on sustained growth, Aruba can achieve a greener, more sustainable electricity future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources