As of 2020, Gibraltar's electricity generation relies entirely on fossil fuels, with 100% of its electricity derived from these sources. This means there is no contribution from low-carbon or clean energy sources such as nuclear, wind, or solar energy in Gibraltar’s electricity mix. This reliance on fossil fuels not only contributes to climate change and air pollution but also leaves the region exposed to the fluctuations of fuel prices and the geopolitical instability associated with fossil fuel markets. Transitioning to low-carbon electricity sources is critical for Gibraltar to enhance its energy security, reduce emissions, and align with global climate goals.
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Gibraltar can look to several successful examples from around the world. Despite differences in scale, countries like Denmark and Portugal have demonstrated significant progress in wind energy, generating 59% and 23% of their electricity from wind, respectively. Additionally, Greece has achieved 22% of its electricity from solar energy, which could be particularly relevant for Gibraltar given its similar Mediterranean climate and high solar potential. Nuclear energy is another reliable and proven low-carbon source, with France and Slovakia achieving over 60% of their electricity from this source. By adopting innovative strategies from these countries, Gibraltar could develop a diverse and clean energy mix to replace its current fossil-fuel dependency.
In the history of Gibraltar's electricity production, low-carbon energy sources have had a negligible presence, as shown by the lack of any significant changes towards cleaner sources in past decades. The data suggests that Gibraltar has not yet embraced the green energy transformation that several other regions worldwide have undertaken. Learning from these regions, Gibraltar has the opportunity to take advantage of technological advancements and modern infrastructure to transition towards a sustainable and diversified energy mix. Collaborative efforts and investments in cleaner technologies could significantly alter Gibraltar's energy landscape, setting the stage for a more resilient and sustainable future for its electricity generation.