Electricity in Curaçao in 2018

In 2018, Curaçao relied heavily on fossil fuels for its electricity needs, with more than two-thirds of its electricity generated from oil. Despite this dominance of fossil energy, low-carbon sources contributed to about 29% of the island's electricity generation. Among these, wind power played a significant role, producing over a quarter of the electricity. Solar energy, while still a minor player, added over 2% to the mix. It's clear that while fossil fuels continue to be the primary source of electricity, low-carbon sources, particularly wind energy, are making a notable impact in Curaçao's energy landscape.

Suggestions

For Curaçao to further increase its share of low-carbon electricity, expanding its already significant wind energy capacity would be a practical step. Learning from countries like Denmark, which derives more than 60% of its electricity from wind, Curaçao could invest in wind energy infrastructure to harness its natural resources more effectively. Denmark's success demonstrates the potential of wind energy and offers a proven blueprint that Curaçao can follow. Similarly, solar energy presents an avenue for growth; nations like Greece with about 22% and Chile with 21% of their electricity sourced from solar exemplify how countries with ample sunlight can successfully integrate solar power into their grids. By focusing investment in wind and solar technologies, Curaçao can move towards a more sustainable and low-carbon electricity future.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in Curaçao shows a story of gradual progress, primarily through wind energy. The journey began in 2001 with a small increase of 0.1 TWh in wind electricity generation. However, there was a noticeable lull from 2000 to the mid-2010s, with a resumption of growth only in the late 2010s. In 2013, a slight resurgence was marked by another 0.1 TWh from wind energy, accompanied by an introduction of solar, albeit with no immediate impact. By 2018, wind energy saw another increase of 0.1 TWh, continuing the modest but steady growth trajectory. This pattern indicates a long-term commitment to expanding low-carbon technologies, with wind energy slowly establishing itself as a cornerstone of Curaçao's electricity generation strategy.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources