In 2022, electricity consumption in Dominica was predominantly reliant on fossil fuels, with more than three-quarters of its electricity coming from such sources. In stark contrast, low-carbon energy sources contributed to almost a quarter of the electricity supply, with hydropower accounting for the entirety of this low-carbon electricity. This indicates a significant dependence on fossils and underscores the potential for developing cleaner energy solutions to both diversify the energy mix and reduce the nation's carbon footprint. The high proportion of fossil-based electricity highlights the need to transition towards more sustainable sources to combat issues like climate change and air pollution, which are exacerbated by fossil fuel usage.
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Dominica can draw inspiration from nations that have made admirable progress in this area. For instance, Uruguay has achieved more than a third of its electricity from wind energy, illustrating the potential of harnessing wind power, especially for island nations like Dominica with rich wind resources. Similarly, Chile's investment in solar power has resulted in a substantial portion of the country's electricity mix, offering an example of how solar energy can be effectively utilized to decrease reliance on fossil fuels. Although nuclear energy hasn't been utilized in Dominica, learning from countries such as France, where nuclear energy supplies a significant percentage of its electricity, could provide insights into shaping a mix that includes diverse low-carbon technologies.
Historically, Dominica's low-carbon electricity production has shown remarkable consistency, with hydropower playing a stable role since the early 2000s. From 2001 to 2020, hydropower electricity generation saw no fluctuation, maintaining a steady output each year. This stability highlights the reliability of hydropower in Dominica’s electricity generation landscape. However, this consistency also hints at a lack of diversification in low-carbon electricity sources. Enhancing this mix can help improve resilience and sustainability, paving the way for other clean energies like wind and solar, which are pivotal in the global movement towards sustainable electricity.