As of 2022, Dominica's electricity consumption is heavily dependent on fossil fuels, with about 76% of its electricity being generated from these sources. This leaves only about 24% of the island’s electricity grid being powered by low-carbon or clean energy, all of which comes from hydropower. The reliance on fossil energy has significant negative impacts, including contributing to climate change and air pollution, which makes it imperative for Dominica to pursue a more sustainable path.
To increase its share of low-carbon electricity generation, Dominica can learn from other countries that have successfully transitioned to cleaner energy sources. For example, Denmark generates around 61% of its electricity from wind power. As an island nation with potentially strong wind currents, Dominica could invest significantly in wind energy. Another example is Uruguay, where 36% of the electricity comes from wind. Similarly, countries like Greece, where solar accounts for about 22% of electricity generation, show that harnessing solar power could also be a viable path for Dominica. By investing in wind and solar energy, Dominica could reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and move towards a more sustainable energy mix.
In the past two decades, Dominica's clean electricity landscape has remained stagnant. Data from 2001 to 2020 shows that there has been no change in hydropower generation over these years, indicating little to no investment in expanding this clean energy source. As the country looks to diversify and expand its clean energy portfolio, learning from global leaders in wind and solar energy could offer a path forward. Emphasizing the development of these low-carbon options will be critical in addressing both environmental issues and enhancing energy resilience for the future.