Electricity in Gibraltar in 2020
In 2020, Gibraltar's electricity consumption was entirely reliant on fossil fuels, representing a significant challenge for sustainable future growth. With 100% of its electricity coming from fossil energy sources, Gibraltar has close to none of its power generated from clean or low-carbon sources. This dependence on fossil fuels contributes heavily to carbon emissions and air pollution, highlighting the urgent need for a transition to greener energy forms to combat climate change and improve the environmental footprint of the territory.
Data sources used on this page include EIA and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Gibraltar?
Examining the growth trajectory of electricity in Gibraltar, it appears there has been a concerning decline. In 2020, the electricity consumption per capita was around 5,534 kWh, a marked decrease from the peak recorded in 2008, which was 6,581 kWh, showing a reduction of over 1,000 kWh per person. Despite advancements in other regions, Gibraltar's low-carbon electricity generation has stagnated, remaining at zero, the same as it was in 1990. This lack of progress in clean energy adoption is concerning amidst the global push toward electrification and reducing carbon emissions.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Gibraltar could take cues from regions successfully utilizing solar and nuclear energy. For instance, Lebanon and Cyprus have harnessed solar power to generate more than 20% of their electricity, while countries like France and Slovakia successfully generate more than half of their electricity from nuclear energy. By investing in solar infrastructure alongside exploring potential partnerships for nuclear energy generation, Gibraltar could significantly enhance its energy sustainability. This transition would not only help reduce the harmful effects of climate change but also prepare Gibraltar for growing energy demands in the future.
History
Historically, Gibraltar has seen a constant lack of low-carbon electricity generation, with data pointing to no increases from fossil-dominated energy across the recorded timeline. Since there are significant gaps and no meaningful adoption of nuclear or solar power, it is crucial that Gibraltar revisits its energy strategy. As the pressure to shift from fossil fuels to cleaner alternatives mounts globally, Gibraltar's prolonged reliance on fossil fuels is increasingly untenable. Renewed efforts towards adopting low-carbon energy sources are fundamental to ensure the region doesn't lag in the global energy transition.
