In 2023, all electricity consumed in the British Virgin Islands came from fossil fuels, according to the supplied data. Low-carbon sources, such as solar, wind and nuclear, contributed none. This complete dependence on fossil electricity highlights a major opportunity to develop clean generation while reducing climate-changing emissions and air pollution.

Is Electricity Growing in British Virgin Islands?

Electricity consumption per person was well below its historical peak, rather than setting a new growth record. In 2023, consumption was about 4,400 kWh per person, compared with roughly 7,200 kWh in 2010—a decline of about 2,900 kWh, or 40%. These figures do not establish whether consumption grew in the most recent year, but the gap from the peak is concerning as electrification increases future electricity needs. Low-carbon generation remained at zero kWh per person, unchanged from its recorded benchmark in 2000.

Suggestions

The British Virgin Islands should prioritize solar electricity through rooftop installations, larger projects where suitable, battery storage and grid improvements. Relevant island examples include the US state of Hawaii and Cyprus, where solar supplies about 23% of electricity, and Samoa, where it supplies 13%. Cape Verde generates about 14% each from solar and wind, offering another useful island comparison and a reason to assess local wind resources. Nuclear should also feature in long-term clean-electricity planning: France generates roughly two-thirds of its electricity from nuclear, demonstrating its substantial contribution to low-carbon supply. For the British Virgin Islands, assessing appropriately scaled nuclear technologies and regional cooperation would be more relevant than copying a large national fleet.

History

The supplied historical information indicates no recorded progress in low-carbon electricity generation between the zero-generation benchmark in 2000 and the latest zero figure in 2023. However, no year-by-year changes were provided, so it is not possible to describe intervening developments or identify particular periods of expansion or decline. The available endpoints show a disappointing lack of clean-electricity growth and underline the importance of beginning a sustained expansion.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade