Electricity in Curaçao in 2018

As of 2018, electricity consumption in Curaçao was primarily dominated by fossil fuels, with oil making up about 71% of the total electricity generation. On the brighter side, almost a third of the electricity came from low-carbon sources, specifically wind and solar. Wind energy stood out significantly, contributing around 27%, while solar energy accounted for a modest 2%. The reliance on fossil fuels underscores the urgent need for a greener shift to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change and air pollution.

Suggestions

To further increase low-carbon electricity generation, Curaçao should consider expanding its already successful wind energy infrastructure. Learning from countries with similar geographical conditions but high utilization of certain clean technologies could be beneficial. Denmark, for instance, generates more than 60% of its electricity from wind energy, showcasing the potential for substantial gains in wind power generation. Additionally, looking to the solar power sectors of countries like Greece, Chile, and Cyprus, which derive 17-22% of their electricity from solar energy, could offer valuable insights for enhancing solar energy production in Curaçao.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in Curaçao shows steady progress primarily in wind energy. For much of the 1990s, there was no significant change in wind energy generation. However, starting in 2001, a noticeable increment began with the addition of 0.1 TWh of wind energy, which was a stepping stone for future advancements. In 2013, Curaçao saw another 0.1 TWh increase in wind electricity generation, alongside the introduction of solar energy, albeit without a notable change. The year 2018 marked another milestone with an additional 0.1 TWh from wind. Despite these advancements, there remains considerable room for growth in both wind and solar energies to further reduce dependence on fossil fuels and promote cleaner electricity generation in Curaçao.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources