Electricity in Gibraltar in 2020
In 2020, Gibraltar relied entirely on fossil fuels for its electricity consumption, with a striking 100% of the electricity sourced from this type of energy. This scenario places Gibraltar in a position where it derives close to none of its electricity from low-carbon or clean energy sources. Such a reliance on fossil fuels contributes to increased CO2 emissions, adversely affecting air quality and contributing to climate change. The current state urges a strategic pivot towards sustainable energy sources to not only mitigate these impacts but also secure a more resilient future energy landscape.
Data sources used on this page include EIA and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Gibraltar?
Electricity consumption per person in Gibraltar has seen a decline when compared to previous years. In 2020, the figure stood at 5534 kWh per person, decreasing from the previous peak in 2015, which was 6755 kWh per person. This represents a reduction of 1221 kWh per person. Meanwhile, the generation of low-carbon electricity in Gibraltar has stagnated at 0 kWh per person since the record noted back in 1990, evidencing a critical need for progress and investment in clean energy to catch up with global trends in sustainable energy growth.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Gibraltar can learn from regions that have successfully harnessed solar and nuclear energy. Countries like France and Slovakia generate a significant portion of their electricity from nuclear energy, with contributions as high as 70% and 66% respectively. Similarly, solar energy is being effectively utilized in states like Nevada and regions like Cyprus, where solar contributes around 33% and 23% to the electricity mix. These examples demonstrate the potential of diversifying energy sources, emphasizing the critical role both nuclear and solar play in transforming energy profiles toward cleaner alternatives that promise a sustainable future.
History
Looking at the historical data on low-carbon electricity in Gibraltar, since the year 1990, there has been a consistent lack of low-carbon electricity generation, marked by a persistent figure of 0 TWh from clean sources. This stagnation contrasts sharply with global trends where many regions have embraced the expansion of low-carbon energies such as nuclear and solar. The reluctance or inability to invest in or adopt clean energy technologies in previous decades sets a concerning precedent, making it imperative for Gibraltar to actively pursue and establish policies and infrastructure supporting sustainable energy solutions in the immediate future. The potential for clean-energy expansion remains untapped, underscoring an urgent need to update energy policies and initiatives to reduce the long-standing reliance on fossil fuels and usher in an era of sustainable energy generation.
