Electricity in Dominica in 2023
In Dominica, the reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation remains significant, with more than 85% of the country's electricity coming from fossil sources. This dependence on fossil energy not only contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change but also subjects Dominica to the volatility of fossil fuel markets. Only about 13% of Dominica's electricity is generated from low-carbon sources, specifically hydropower. The predominance of fossil-based electricity generation underscores an urgent need for the nation to diversify its energy portfolio towards cleaner and more sustainable sources.
Data sources used on this page include Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Dominica?
The trend in Dominica’s electricity consumption indicates a slight decline. The latest figures for 2023 show electricity consumption at 2256 kWh per person, a small decrease from the historic high of 2300 kWh per person in 2016. This indicates a drop of 43 kWh per person. More concerning is the decline in the generation of low-carbon electricity, which currently stands at 301 kWh per person, significantly lower than the peak of 579 kWh per person in 2011, representing a drop of 279 kWh per person. These declines are troubling, suggesting that not only has overall electricity consumption decreased, but the share of clean electricity has also diminished, highlighting the need for proactive measures to boost electricity growth, particularly low-carbon solutions.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Dominica can look to successful examples from other regions. Adopting strategies similar to Nevada, where solar power accounts for 34% of electricity, could help harness Dominica's solar potential effectively. Additionally, Dominica could consider nuclear power, with countries like France deriving 67% of their electricity from nuclear energy. Exploring options for wind energy is also promising, following Denmark’s lead, where wind contributes 60% to its electricity mix. By learning from these successful models, Dominica can strategically diversify its energy sources, reducing its fossil dependency while increasing its clean energy share.
History
Historically, Dominica’s low-carbon electricity generation has seen a period of stagnancy. From 2001 through 2020, hydropower generation remained unchanged, experiencing neither growth nor decline. This lack of development in clean energy capacity suggests missed opportunities for energy diversification. With hydropower as the sole low-carbon contributor, Dominica's energy strategy must evolve, prioritizing investments in solar, wind, and nuclear to support its future electricity needs. As the global landscape shifts towards sustainable low-carbon energy systems, Dominica could significantly benefit from following suit, fostering economic resilience and environmental stewardship.
