As of 2018, electricity consumption in Curaçao relied predominantly on fossil fuels, with oil accounting for nearly 71% of the total electricity generation. Despite this dependence, low-carbon options have made valuable contributions, providing approximately 29% of the island's electricity needs. The primary low-carbon source is wind energy, which supplies over a quarter of the total electricity with a contribution of about 27%. Meanwhile, solar energy plays a smaller but still important role, covering around 2% of the overall electricity generation. This mix suggests that while Curaçao is still heavily dependent on fossil fuels, it is making strides toward cleaner energy solutions.
Is Electricity Growing in Curaçao?
Despite its achievements in expanding low-carbon electricity, Curaçao's overall electricity consumption has declined. In 2018, the average electricity use per person was 4,770 kWh, showing a significant decrease from the 2010 record high of 8,436 kWh per person. This reduction of 3,666 kWh per person may indicate either a shift toward efficiency or an economic downturn. Conversely, the segment of low-carbon electricity generation has seen a positive upward trend. The personal average for low-carbon electricity generation rose from 1,116 kWh in 2017 to 1,394 kWh in 2018, marking an increase of 278 kWh per person. While this growth in low-carbon generation is promising, the overall reduction in electricity consumption calls for a vigilant overview to ensure that the progression in clean energy continues.
Suggestions
To further increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Curaçao can expand its existing wind energy infrastructure, considering its significant contribution to the island's energy mix. Learning from successful regions, particularly those utilizing similar resources, can accelerate this transition. For wind energy, states like Iowa and South Dakota, which generate over 50% of their electricity from wind, can serve as models. Additionally, integrating solar power should not be overlooked, as illustrated by Lebanon and Greece, where solar energy accounts for around 20-30% of electricity. Although nuclear energy is a highly efficient clean energy source, current data for Curaçao only indicates the potential expansion of wind and solar energy. By leveraging these insights, Curaçao can enhance its clean energy portfolio while addressing climate challenges.
History
Historically, Curaçao’s transition toward low-carbon electricity has been characterized by steady growth in wind energy, especially since the early 2000s. The years following 1993 saw little to no growth until 2001, when wind energy began contributing a notable 0.1 TWh to the grid. Since then, further advancements appeared sporadically, with notable installations in 2008 and 2013. Solar energy's contributions began to be recorded in 2013, maintaining a relatively stable presence afterwards. This pattern highlights a gradual but consistent enhancement of low-carbon resources in Curaçao, spearheading a movement toward a more sustainable energy future. However, for the island to achieve its clean energy goals, sustained growth and investment in low-carbon technologies will be imperative.