Electricity in Barbados in 2023
In 2023, the landscape of electricity consumption in Barbados is heavily dominated by fossil fuel sources, with more than 90% of the electricity being generated through such means. Low-carbon or clean energy contributes to a small fraction of the overall electricity generation, with solar energy making up just over 8% of this total. This reliance on fossil fuels translates into continued challenges such as climate change and air pollution, highlighting the need for a decisive shift towards more sustainable energy sources. The data clearly shows that there is significant room to grow the low-carbon energy segment, which is critical for environmental and economic stability.
Is Electricity Growing in Barbados?
Barbados has seen a decline in its electricity consumption in recent years. The latest figures indicate an electricity consumption of around 3896 kWh per person, marking a drop of about 184 kWh per person compared to the highest recorded value in 2012. On a more positive note, there is a slight increase in the low-carbon electricity generation—now at 319 kWh per person, up by 35 kWh from 2021's record high. Still, this growth in low-carbon energy needs to be significantly accelerated to counterbalance the overall decline in electricity consumption and to support the island in meeting both current and future energy demands sustainably.
Suggestions
To amplify low-carbon electricity generation, Barbados could adopt strategies from global leaders in green energy. Countries like Lebanon, where solar contributes an impressive 31% of their electricity, demonstrate the potential of solar investments. Moreover, the success of wind power in Denmark, generating over half of its electricity, and in Uruguay with nearly a third, indicates that small countries can achieve substantial low-carbon output. Barbados could implement policies and infrastructure that support these clean energy ventures, enhancing solar feed-in tariffs, encouraging private investment in solar farms, and exploring the potential for off-shore wind energy. Such steps would leverage global best practices to facilitate a robust move towards a greener electricity grid.
History
Historically, Barbados has seen no growth in low-carbon electricity generation from 2014 through 2023, with solar energy showing no gains during this period. This extended period of stagnation underlines a critical missed opportunity to invest in and expand sustainable forms of electricity generation. Given modern challenges such as climate change and the increasing global focus on transitioning to clean energy, the lack of progress in accepting and implementing solar technology urgently needs addressing. Learning from the past, it’s essential for Barbados to pursue a proactive strategy in supporting solar energy, ensuring that such stagnation does not persist in the coming decades.