As of 2018, electricity consumption in Curaçao primarily relied on fossil energy, with oil comprising more than two-thirds of the mix at about 71%. In contrast, low-carbon energy sources accounted for roughly 29% of the electricity generation, predominantly driven by wind power, which contributed over a quarter with around 27%. Solar energy was responsible for a modest share, equating to slightly over 2%. The use of low-carbon sources like wind and solar is a positive step toward cleaner energy production. However, the overwhelming dependency on oil emphasizes the critical need to transition further away from fossil fuels to mitigate climate change and reduce air pollution.

Is Electricity Growing in Curaçao?

Regarding the growth of electricity in Curaçao, there has been a significant reduction in per capita electricity consumption, dropping from a historic high of 8436 kWh/person in 2010 to the latest figure of 4770 kWh/person—a decrease of 3666 kWh/person. This downward trend might indicate a combination of factors, such as increased energy efficiency or economic changes. However, there is a silver lining in the growth of low-carbon electricity. Clean electricity now stands at 1394 kWh/person compared to a previous high of 1116 kWh/person in 2017, marking an encouraging increase of 278 kWh/person. It is vital for Curaçao to expand this trajectory to meet future energy demands sustainably.

Suggestions

Curaçao can bolster its low-carbon electricity generation by expanding its wind infrastructure, as this technology already has a robust foundation on the island. Additionally, attention should be given to solar energy, learning from countries like Cyprus and Spain, where solar generation has reached around 23%. Embracing nuclear energy could also be revolutionary, as seen in places like Slovakia and South Carolina, where nuclear contributes to a majority share of their electricity generation. Combining the growth of both solar and nuclear energy can provide a more resilient and robust energy system, easing dependence on fossil fuels and supporting a cleaner environment for future generations.

History

The historical context of low-carbon electricity in Curaçao illustrates a slow yet meaningful progression. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, wind energy saw no recorded increases in generation until a 0.1 TWh boost in 2001. Though the growth remained stagnant for a period, a gradual rise began in 2013, eventually reaching another 0.1 TWh increment by 2018. Solar energy, while still in modest supply, began appearing on the scene by 2013. This history, albeit modest in numbers, reflects the potential for policy and infrastructure development to continue fueling sustainable energy growth in Curaçao, delivering promising opportunities for increased low-carbon electricity in the decades to come.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade