The current state of electricity generation in the Bahamas is overwhelmingly reliant on fossil fuels, with close to all of its electricity — a staggering 99% — coming from such sources. This means that clean, low-carbon energy contributions, such as those from solar or nuclear energy, account for a meager fraction, essentially close to none of the electricity landscape. Given the pressing global concerns over climate change and air pollution, this reliance on fossil energy underscores an urgent need for the Bahamas to pivot towards more sustainable energy solutions to reduce its carbon footprint and environmental impact.

Data sources used on this page include EIA and Ember. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Bahamas?

Electricity consumption per person in the Bahamas has seen a decline, raising concerns for potential growth. The data from 2022 shows an average consumption of approximately 5,157 kWh per person, which is a drop of over 1,200 kWh from the record set in 2007, at 6,369 kWh per person. This decrease highlights a contraction in electricity consumption, perhaps due to economic factors or efficiency improvements. On a more positive note, the generation of low-carbon electricity per person in the Bahamas has been on an upward trajectory, increasing from 25 kWh in 2020 to 50 kWh in 2022. While this is a promising sign of commitment toward green energy, the scale remains modest and calls for accelerated efforts to expand upon this progress.

Suggestions

To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, the Bahamas can look to successful regions that harness significant amounts of solar and nuclear energy. For solar energy, emulating the progress made by regions such as Nevada and California, where solar accounts for about a third of electricity generation, could aid in increasing the Bahamas' clean electricity portfolio. On nuclear energy, although not as geographically aligned, learning from France and Slovakia, where nuclear provides more than half of the electricity, could provide vital insights on how to integrate advanced nuclear technology efficiently and safely. Both solar and nuclear offer sustainable pathways to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and enhance energy security, contributing positively toward global and local environmental goals.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in the Bahamas, based on the available data, shows a stagnant pattern. Since 2020, there has been no recorded increase in solar electricity generation, signaling a lack of development in clean energy over the last few years. This stagnation is concerning, particularly given global trends towards adopting low-carbon energy technologies. The absence of any significant advancement in solar power generation indicates a missed opportunity to diversify the energy mix and embrace environmental responsibility. It is critical for the Bahamas to address this issue by investing in infrastructure and policies that support clean energy transitions, drawing lessons from countries and states that are leaders in solar and nuclear electricity generation.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade