Electricity in Bahamas in 2022
In 2022, the electricity consumption in the Bahamas predominantly relied on fossil fuels, with more than 99% of its electricity derived from these sources. This indicates that low-carbon or clean energy, which includes solar energy among other types, accounts for close to none of the electricity generation in the region. The heavy reliance on fossil fuels can have negative impacts including high carbon emissions and environmental degradation, underscoring the urgent need for a transition to more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sources.
Is Electricity Growing in Bahamas?
The current trend in electricity consumption per person in the Bahamas shows a decrease when compared to historical levels. As of 2022, each individual consumed approximately 5,157 kWh of electricity, which is a decline from the previous record in 2007 of 6,369 kWh per person. This drop of over 1,200 kWh highlights a worrying trend of reduced electricity consumption, which could have implications for economic growth and development. However, there is a positive note with low-carbon electricity generation showing progress; it has doubled since its last record in 2020, resulting in 50 kWh per person being sourced from clean energy.
Suggestions
For the Bahamas to enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, it could benefit from looking to other regions that have successfully integrated solar, wind, and nuclear energy. Countries like Lebanon and Cyprus, with significant solar electricity generation, demonstrate the potential of solar energy in regions with abundant sunlight, similar to the Bahamas. Meanwhile, the nuclear contributions in countries such as France and Slovakia showcase the reliability and potency of nuclear energy as a clean power source. Emulating these successes could help the Bahamas diversify and strengthen its energy mix, while simultaneously mitigating the impacts of climate change and reducing pollution from fossil fuels.
History
Examining the historical data on low-carbon electricity generation in the Bahamas reveals no measurable progress over the past few years, with solar energy contributions remaining static between 2020 and 2022. This stagnation is particularly concerning, suggesting that efforts to expand clean energy infrastructure may have faced hurdles or delays. Moving forward, prioritizing investment and development in solar and nuclear energy can catalyze a transformation towards a more sustainable and resilient electricity sector in the Bahamas. By actively fostering the growth of these two critical energy sources, the country can position itself as a leader in clean energy transition within the Caribbean region.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.