As of 2022, French Guiana's electricity consumption is significantly dominated by low-carbon sources, with more than 70% of its electricity being derived from these energy types. Notably, hydropower accounts for over 60% of the total electricity generation, which is a substantial portion aligning with the region's green energy goals. Solar power and biofuels each contribute around 5%, adding to the region's low-carbon portfolio. Fossil fuels still make up close to 29% of the electricity mix, indicating room for growth in cleaner energy sectors to further reduce fossil fuel dependency and its associated environmental impacts.
Is Electricity Growing in French Guiana?
Despite striving for cleaner energy, French Guiana has witnessed a decline in overall electricity consumption over the past decade. In 2022, each person consumed approximately 3286 kWh of electricity, marking a decrease from the peak of 3662 kWh per person in 2012. This trend extends to low-carbon electricity too, which also decreased from its peak in 2006 where individuals consumed 2607 kWh of low-carbon electricity, now down to 2347 kWh per person in 2022. This decline in both total and low-carbon electricity consumption presents a concern, as continued electrification and growth are crucial for future development.
Suggestions
For French Guiana to bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, exploring successful strategies from other regions is vital. France, with its robust nuclear energy infrastructure providing 68% of its electricity, serves as an exemplary model. Meanwhile, regions like Lebanon and Nevada demonstrate the significant impact of solar energy in their electricity mixes. French Guiana can benefit from adopting a diversified low-carbon approach, focusing on both nuclear and solar power, to dramatically increase its low-carbon generation capacity. This initiative will not only contribute to sustainable development but also combat environmental challenges posed by reliance on fossil fuels.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in French Guiana reveals a pattern of modest fluctuations in hydropower output over the last two decades. In the early 2000s, the hydroelectric sector faced minor declines and increases, with brief episodes of stable production. While most changes were minor such as in 2001 and 2005 where no significant change was experienced, years like 2009 saw a decline of 0.2 TWh, hinting at vulnerability to external factors. Solar power, introduced in 2011, experienced no immediate growth spurts but offers potential given its global success. As the momentum for clean energy accelerates worldwide, French Guiana has opportunities to learn from international successes while enhancing its own low-carbon framework.