Electricity in Bahamas in 2022
In the Bahamas, electricity consumption in 2022 heavily relied on fossil fuels, making up more than 99% of its total electricity generation. Low-carbon or clean energy, including solar, contributed negligibly to the country's electricity supply, with close to none coming from these more sustainable sources. This stark reliance on fossil fuels not only contributes to climate change but also poses risks of air pollution, underscoring the urgent need for a shift towards cleaner power sources.
Is Electricity Growing in Bahamas?
Looking at the trends in electricity consumption, the Bahamas seems to have experienced a decline in overall consumption since its peak in 2007. In 2022, electricity consumption per person was 5157 kWh, which is a significant decrease from the 6368 kWh per person recorded in 2007. Despite this decline, there has been a positive trend in low-carbon electricity generation. By 2022, low-carbon electricity generation increased to 50 kWh per person from a previous high of 25 kWh in 2020. While this rise in clean electricity is commendable, the overall reliance on fossil fuels presents a substantial hurdle that needs to be addressed urgently.
Suggestions
To increase the share of low-carbon electricity, the Bahamas can take inspiration from other regions. For instance, countries like Lebanon and Chile have made commendable strides in solar energy, with solar power contributing to significant portions of their electricity mix. Similarly, embracing wind energy might provide opportunities for clean development as seen in coastal nations like Denmark and the Netherlands. Moreover, considering nuclear energy's potential, as demonstrated by countries such as France and Slovakia where nuclear makes up a substantial part of their electricity mix, could be a viable pathway forward. Embracing these technologies would not only cut down emissions but also pave the way for a more resilient and sustainable energy future for the Bahamas.
History
Historically, the trend of low-carbon electricity generation in the Bahamas has been relatively stagnant. From 2020 to 2022, there were no significant changes or improvements in solar energy output, maintaining a stable output of effectively zero throughout these years. This lack of progress highlights an area of critical opportunity, where even small steps in adopting solar technology could lead to meaningful advancements in sustainable electricity generation. Jumpstarting this transition could also position the Bahamas as a leader in clean energy within the Caribbean region. Considering the abundant solar potential of the islands, a commitment to expanding solar infrastructure is crucial for shaping a greener energy landscape.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.