Electricity in Curaçao in 2018

In 2018, the state of electricity consumption in Curaçao saw a significant reliance on fossil fuels, which accounted for around 71% of the total electricity generated, all from oil. Despite the dominance of fossil energy, low-carbon or clean energy sources were responsible for close to 29% of electricity production, indicating a noteworthy presence of green energy. Wind energy emerged as the most significant source among the low-carbon options, contributing approximately 27% to the island's electricity consumption. Solar energy played a smaller role, contributing about 2%, but still marked a step towards diversification and sustainability in energy sources. This mix reflects a transition towards balancing fossil fuels with cleaner alternatives, an essential move for reducing the impacts of climate change and air pollution brought on by fossil fuel reliance.

Suggestions

To further increase the share of low-carbon electricity generation, Curaçao can focus on the expansion and enhancement of its wind energy infrastructure, as it is already a significant contributor to the island's low-carbon electricity. The island can learn from countries like Denmark, where wind power constitutes around 52% of electricity generation. By adopting similar strategies such as improving turbine technology and enhancing grid integration, Curaçao can maximize the output from wind. Leveraging solar energy potential, as seen in solar leaders like Lebanon, which generates 31% of its electricity from solar, could also be beneficial. These efforts would help accelerate the transition to clean energy while securing a stable and sustainable electricity supply.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in Curaçao reveals a relatively late but consistent development, particularly in wind energy. During the 1990s through to the early 2000s, wind energy did not see any growth, remaining stagnant at no significant increase in generation. However, from 2001 onwards, there was a marked increase when the first measurable contributions began with a modest addition in 2001 and again in 2013, culminating in incremental but ongoing growth by 2018. Solar energy also made its appearance in 2013, although its contribution remained minimal initially. This gradual build-up exemplifies Curaçao's growing commitment to incorporating more low-carbon energy sources into its electricity mix and the potential for future expansion. Going forward, continued investment and policy support are crucial to sustaining and boosting these gains in clean energy generation.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources