Electricity in Bermuda in 2020
In 2020, Bermuda's electricity consumption was fully reliant on fossil fuels, representing 100% of its energy mix. There are currently no contributions to Bermuda's electricity supply from low-carbon or clean energy sources, such as solar, wind, or nuclear power. This total dependency on fossil fuels highlights a significant opportunity for Bermuda to transition to cleaner energy solutions, which would help reduce its carbon footprint and mitigate the impacts of climate change and air pollution.
Is Electricity Growing in Bermuda?
Analyzing the trend in Bermuda's electricity consumption, it becomes clear that there has been a significant decline from its historical peak. In 2020, the total electricity consumption was recorded at 7770 kWh per person, standing more than a quarter lower than the record high in 2005, which was 11166 kWh per person. This drop of 3397 kWh per person indicates a decreasing trend in electricity usage over the 15-year period. However, there is noticeable stagnation in low-carbon electricity generation, as evidenced by the unchanged value of 0 kWh per person from 1980 to 2020. With no growth in clean energy contribution, Bermuda’s electricity sector faces a major challenge in embracing low-carbon technologies.
Suggestions
To propel Bermuda towards a more sustainable energy future, it can draw inspiration from regions that have successfully implemented low-carbon solutions. A viable approach would include both solar and nuclear contributions. For instance, countries like Lebanon with significant solar penetration should motivate Bermuda to exploit its solar potential. Similarly, borrowing a leaf from France and Slovakia, where nuclear power contributes more than 60% of their electricity, Bermuda can consider investing in small modular reactors to secure a stable, low-carbon electricity supply. Incorporating both nuclear and solar technologies can not only enhance Bermuda’s energy security but also ensure a cleaner, sustainable future.
History
Historically, Bermuda has seen no development in low-carbon electricity generation. Since 1980, there's been a consistent absence of growth in this respect, with changes holding steady at 0 TWh in terms of additional clean energy production. This stands in stark contrast to other decades across the world where significant strides were made in diversifying energy mixes to include more low-carbon sources. The lack of advancement in this sector over multiple decades emphasizes the urgent need for policy shifts and infrastructural investments to embrace sustainable energy solutions in Bermuda.