In 2022, the electricity consumption in the Bahamas was overwhelmingly dependent on fossil fuels, with a staggering 99% derived from sources like oil and gas. This leaves close to none of the Bahamas' electricity generated from low-carbon or clean energy sources, such as solar, wind, or nuclear power. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels not only contributes to climate change and air pollution but also poses challenges in terms of energy security and economic stability. Transitioning towards more sustainable energy sources could significantly reduce emissions and lead to more stable energy prices.
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, the Bahamas can explore lessons from countries that have successfully integrated sustainable energy into their electricity mix. Denmark's experience demonstrates the potential of wind energy, generating more than half of its electricity this way. Similarly, the Bahamas, with its coastal geography and suitable wind conditions, could harness wind power effectively. Moreover, embracing solar energy, as seen in Lebanon, where it constitutes almost a third of their electricity mix, can be another viable pathway. Learning from these countries, the Bahamas can adopt policies favorable to clean energy investments and infrastructure, such as incentives for solar panel installation and the establishment of wind farms.
Historically, the Bahamas has seen no change in low-carbon electricity generation, specifically from solar energy, with data from 2020 to 2022 indicating no increase in solar electricity production. This stagnation suggests an unexplored potential in renewable energy development over the years. Despite the potential for solar energy, owing to the country's abundant sunshine, and opportunities in wind energy, the Bahamas has yet to tap into these resources for electricity generation. Recognizing and addressing this inaction in clean energy could be pivotal in shaping a sustainable energy future for the Bahamas.