Electricity in French Guiana in 2022

In French Guiana in 2022, electricity consumption predominately relied on low-carbon sources, with more than 70% of the electricity coming from clean energy. Hydropower was the leading contributor among low-carbon sources, supplying over 60% of the electricity. Despite the growing need to tackle climate change and reduce emissions, close to 30% of the electricity in French Guiana was still generated from fossil energy, which is known for its environmental impact. Solar and biofuels each contributed slightly over 5%, marking them as promising yet minor players in the energy mix. This composition highlights the significant role that low-carbon sources already play in the region, although there is room for improvement, especially in further reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Suggestions

To boost low-carbon electricity generation, French Guiana could take inspiration from other countries with successful clean energy models. While nuclear energy is not currently present in the region, lessons from France, where nuclear power contributes a striking 68% of electricity, could be valuable. Denmark, harnessing wind to generate over 50% of its electricity, serves as another example of how investing in wind energy can transform energy portfolios. Likewise, countries like Lebanon and Chile show that advancing solar power can significantly enhance clean energy shares. These examples suggest that diversifying into solar and potentially wind energy can further promote sustainable electricity use in French Guiana, reducing dependency on fossil fuels even more.

History

Historically, French Guiana's journey in low-carbon electricity has been centered around hydropower with variable contributions over the years. Notably, from the early 2000s to the present day, hydropower generation has seen fluctuations, including occasional decreases, though it remains a steadfast backbone of the region's electricity. Every few years have witnessed modest ebbs and flows in hydropower output without significant long-term increases until more recent times. Solar energy made its debut in 2011, marking the start of diversification efforts in low-carbon electricity. Furthermore, the addition of biofuels in 2021 signals an ongoing commitment to exploring various green energy sources, reflecting French Guiana's progressive stance in adapting its electricity infrastructure to meet contemporary environmental challenges.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources