Electricity in Gibraltar in 2020
In 2020, Gibraltar's electricity consumption relied entirely on fossil energy, with no contribution from clean or low-carbon sources such as solar, wind, or nuclear. This complete dependency on fossil fuels presents significant challenges, especially in the context of global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat air pollution. Given this scenario, the transition to low-carbon electricity generation would be a pressing and much-needed strategy for Gibraltar, both in terms of reducing its environmental footprint and as a means to improve air quality and public health. With the urgency of addressing climate change, diversifying Gibraltar's energy portfolio to include cleaner options is paramount.
Data sources used on this page include EIA and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Gibraltar?
Electricity consumption in Gibraltar appears to be on a declining trend. The latest figures from 2020 indicate an average of 5534 kWh/person, reflecting a notable decrease of about 18% from the 2015 record of 6755 kWh/person. This downturn could indicate a reduction in overall electricity demand or an increase in energy efficiency; however, what remains unchanged is the low-carbon electricity generation, which stagnates at 0 kWh/person. This lack of green growth is worrying, especially in light of the constant changes seen in other regions towards cleaner energy sources. Without an increase in low-carbon electricity, Gibraltar risks falling behind in the global shift towards sustainable energy systems.
Suggestions
For Gibraltar to enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, there is much to learn from successful regions around the world. Countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear power contributes over two-thirds of electricity generation, demonstrate the robustness and effectiveness of this energy source. Meanwhile, regions like Nevada and California showcase a notable shift towards solar power, indicating the feasibility of solar energy in sunnier locales similar to Gibraltar's climate. Adopting solar projects would significantly tap into Boulder’s sunny environment. Similarly, the strides made by countries such as Denmark and Iowa in wind energy can also provide valuable insights into harnessing Gibraltar’s wind potential. By investing in solar and nuclear infrastructure, Gibraltar can ensure a more sustainable, reliable, and environmentally friendly electricity supply for the future.
History
Looking back at the history of low-carbon electricity in Gibraltar, the data reveals an absolute stagnation over the decades. Since 1990, there has been no change in low-carbon electricity generation, with levels unwavering at zero. This lack of progress is concerning given the global context of increasing investments in clean energy technologies to meet climate goals and mitigate environmental impacts from traditional fossil fuel-driven electricity. By ignoring major advancements in sustainable electricity production over the years, Gibraltar has missed opportunities to diversify its energy resources and reduce its carbon footprint. Prompt and deliberate action is now essential to address this stagnation and align with international clean energy standards.
