In 2022, electricity consumption in the Bahamas was almost entirely supplied by fossil fuels: roughly 99% came from fossil sources, leaving only about 1% from low-carbon electricity. This means clean electricity played a very small role in the electricity mix. Expanding low-carbon generation would help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and their contribution to climate change and air pollution.

Is Electricity Growing in Bahamas?

Electricity consumption per person has not surpassed its historical peak. In 2022, it was about 5,200 kWh per person, compared with almost 6,400 kWh in 2007—a decline of roughly 1,200 kWh, or 19%. These figures show a shortfall relative to the record, rather than establishing whether consumption grew in the latest year. Low-carbon electricity generation, however, reached 50 kWh per person, double the previous record of 25 kWh in 2020. That growth is encouraging, although its scale remains small; greater clean electricity production would help meet future demand from electrification and AI.

Suggestions

The Bahamas should prioritize expanding solar electricity, drawing lessons from island regions such as Cyprus and the US state of Hawaii, where solar supplies about 23% of electricity, and Cape Verde, where it supplies 14%. Rooftop installations, larger solar projects, storage and grid upgrades could support this expansion. Cape Verde also generates 14% of its electricity from wind, offering a relevant island example for assessing suitable wind projects. Nuclear electricity should also be considered as part of long-term planning: France generates about two-thirds of its electricity from nuclear, while the United Arab Emirates generates one-fifth. These regions demonstrate how nuclear can provide substantial clean electricity, alongside solar and wind.

History

The available history for the Bahamas covers only solar electricity from 2020 through 2022. In each of those years, the reported change in solar generation was 0 TWh, indicating no increase visible at the precision provided—not necessarily an absence of solar generation or smaller changes. This apparent stagnation is disappointing given the need for much more clean electricity. The doubling of low-carbon generation per person relative to its 2020 record is encouraging, but the rounded annual solar figures do not provide enough detail to explain that increase.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade