Electricity in Bahamas in 2022
Based on the data for 2022, electricity consumption in the Bahamas is overwhelmingly dominated by fossil energy sources. More than 99% of its electricity comes from fossil fuels, leaving close to none attributed to low-carbon or clean energy sources. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels is concerning, given the global drive for cleaner energy solutions to combat climate change and reduce air pollution. Increasing the share of low-carbon electricity is crucial for the Bahamas to align with international sustainability goals and reduce its carbon footprint.
Data sources used on this page include EIA and Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Bahamas?
Disappointingly, electricity consumption in the Bahamas has seen a decline over the past years, with the latest figures indicating 5,157 kWh per person in 2022, a decrease of 707 kWh per person compared to the historic peak in 2008. However, a positive trend is observed in low-carbon electricity generation, albeit from a very low base. The latest low-carbon electricity output was 50 kWh per person, which doubled from the previous year’s 25 kWh per person. While this increase is promising, it still represents a negligible portion of total consumption, highlighting a significant opportunity for growth in clean energy.
Suggestions
To spur the growth of low-carbon electricity in the Bahamas, the country can look to successful regions for inspiration. For instance, countries like France and Slovakia derive more than two-thirds of their electricity from nuclear power, indicating the potential of nuclear as a robust and reliable energy source. Simultaneously, the island can explore solar power, akin to Cyprus and Lebanon, where solar contributes to a notable share of electricity production. Additionally, embracing wind power as seen in Denmark and Uruguay can provide a complementary clean energy solution. Prioritizing these sustainable energy sources will enable the Bahamas to significantly reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and transition towards a greener electricity landscape.
History
In recent history, the Bahamas has seen negligible changes in the generation of low-carbon electricity, particularly in solar energy. For the years 2021 and 2022, solar energy generation remained stagnant, with no recorded increase. This lack of progress in expanding solar capacity is concerning and underscores the urgent need for policy shifts and investments in sustainable energy infrastructure. To secure a sustainable energy future, the Bahamas should prioritize the development and expansion of its solar and, if feasible, nuclear energy production, following the lead of regions that have successfully integrated these technologies. By doing so, the Bahamas can ensure a resilient and clean energy supply for the years to come.
