In 2020, Gibraltar’s electricity consumption depended entirely on fossil fuels: they supplied 100% of its electricity, while low-carbon sources supplied none in the reported data. This leaves substantial scope to introduce clean electricity, particularly solar and nuclear, and reduce the climate-changing emissions and air pollution associated with fossil fuels.

Is Electricity Growing in Gibraltar?

Gibraltar’s electricity consumption was below its historical peak in 2020, rather than setting a new growth record. Consumption stood at about 5,500 kWh per person, compared with roughly 6,800 kWh in 2015—a decline of around 1,200 kWh per person, or 18%. These figures establish a decline from the peak, not necessarily a continuous annual downward trend. Low-carbon electricity generation remained at zero kWh per person, matching the recorded 1990 benchmark. This lack of clean electricity growth is concerning as electrification and AI create additional electricity demand.

Suggestions

Gibraltar could prioritize rooftop solar and other installations that make efficient use of its limited land. Nearby Spain generates almost a quarter of its electricity from solar, as does Cyprus, while Malta’s roughly 11% solar share offers a relevant example from a small Mediterranean setting. Wind also deserves assessment: Spain generates a fifth of its electricity from wind, demonstrating its regional potential. Nuclear should be considered alongside these options, including through future regional electricity partnerships that could provide access to nuclear-generated electricity. France generates about two-thirds of its electricity from nuclear, and Spain about 18%, showing how nuclear can underpin a substantial clean electricity supply.

History

The historical information provided records zero low-carbon electricity generation per person in both 1990 and 2020, so the latest figure shows no improvement over that earlier benchmark. However, no year-by-year changes in generation were supplied for the historical section, making it impossible to describe developments by decade or establish what happened between those dates. The available evidence therefore highlights unchanged zero-generation benchmarks across three decades, rather than documenting a complete annual history.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade