As of 2022, Guadeloupe's electricity comes primarily from fossil fuels, making up a little over 65% of its total consumption. Fossil fuels, particularly coal, contribute nearly 13.5% of this mix, while low-carbon energy sources make up approximately 35%. Within the low-carbon category, biofuels contribute nearly 15%, with other clean sources like wind, solar, and geothermal each contributing around 6% to 7% of the total electricity supply. This reliance on fossil energy highlights the need for Guadeloupe to shift towards more sustainable options to reduce its carbon footprint and environmental impact. Increasing low-carbon electricity generation will not only help combat climate change but also improve Guadeloupe's energy resilience.
Is Electricity Growing in Guadeloupe?
Electricity consumption per person in Guadeloupe has seen a slight decline, with the latest figures from 2022 registering at 4263 kWh per person, down from the record high of 4374 kWh per person in 2016. This decrease of 111 kWh per person indicates a stagnant or declining trend in overall electricity usage. However, there is a positive development in the clean energy sector, as low-carbon electricity generation has increased from its previous record in 2021, climbing by 79 kWh per person. This growth reflects the region's efforts to pivot towards more sustainable electricity sources, which is a crucial step in meeting future demand while minimizing environmental harm.
Suggestions
Guadeloupe can significantly bolster its low-carbon electricity generation by learning from countries with successful green energy initiatives. For instance, France relies heavily on nuclear power, generating around 68% of its electricity from this low-carbon source. Meanwhile, countries like Lebanon and Chile have successfully integrated solar energy into their grids, producing between 21% and 31% of their electricity from solar. Emulating such strategies could involve investing in geothermal advancements, expanding solar capacity, or even exploring the potential for small-scale nuclear options. By diversifying its energy portfolio, Guadeloupe could become a leader in clean energy in the Caribbean, taking a bold step toward energy independence and sustainability.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Guadeloupe reveals a slow but steady effort to integrate sustainable energy sources over the decades. In the mid-2000s, the integration of geothermal energy began with a modest increase. However, progress was not linear, as there were periods where advancements stalled, such as the overall stagnant development in harnessing biofuels throughout the 2000s. The introduction of solar power in 2012 represented a pivotal moment, adding diversity to the energy landscape. The 2020s show a renewed push, evidenced by the growth in biofuels and the steady, albeit small, advances in other low-carbon sources. Despite these achievements, the past decades reveal missed opportunities to significantly scale clean energy technologies, underscoring the need for more aggressive strategies moving forward.