Electricity in Bermuda in 2020
In 2020, Bermuda's electricity consumption was entirely dependent on fossil fuels, with close to none coming from low-carbon or clean energy sources. This presents a significant challenge given the global push towards cleaner alternatives to mitigate climate change and reduce air pollution. The 100% reliance on fossil energy indicates that Bermuda has yet to make strides in diversifying its electricity sources towards more sustainable options, such as solar power, nuclear energy, or wind power, which are increasingly common in many other regions. This current state leaves the island vulnerable to fluctuating fossil fuel prices and contributes to the pressing issue of greenhouse gas emissions.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Bermuda?
The trend in electricity consumption per capita in Bermuda over the years shows a decline rather than growth, with the latest figures in 2020 recording 7770 kWh per person. This is significantly lower than the peak consumption recorded in 2005, which was nearly 11200 kWh per person, marking a decrease of 3397 kWh per person. Additionally, Bermuda has not made any advancement in low-carbon electricity generation since 1980, as both the historic and latest figures stand at 0 kWh per person. This stagnation in low-carbon electricity development is concerning, given the importance of increasing clean electricity production to meet future demands and enhance energy security.
Suggestions
To enhance its share of low-carbon electricity, Bermuda can learn from regions that have successfully integrated solar and wind power, alongside nuclear energy. For instance, Nevada and California generate about a third and almost a third of their electricity from solar power, respectively. They illustrate that regions with ample sunshine can significantly benefit from solar energy. On the nuclear front, countries like France and Slovakia lead with over 65% of their electricity derived from nuclear sources. While nuclear energy might not be the immediate solution for Bermuda due to its scale and infrastructure requirements, exploring advanced small modular reactors (SMRs) could offer a feasible, reliable, and clean alternative in the long term. By emulating these strategies, Bermuda can pave its way towards a diversified and sustainable electricity portfolio, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.
History
Throughout its history, Bermuda has seen no significant progress in building up its low-carbon electricity generation capabilities. In the early 1980s, there were no increments in these sources of electricity, and the situation remains unchanged to date. The stagnation in low-carbon development over the decades is troubling, especially when considering the island’s high dependency on fossil fuels. It's essential for Bermuda to turn the tide by investing in clean energy options that are tailored to its unique geographical and economic context. By doing so, Bermuda can reduce its environmental footprint and align itself with global movements towards sustainable energy.
