Electricity in Guadeloupe in 2022
In 2022, Guadeloupe's electricity consumption relied predominantly on fossil fuels, with nearly two-thirds of its electricity generation coming from fossil sources, including coal and others. Low-carbon sources contributed to a little over a third of the electricity mix, with biofuels accounting for nearly 15%. Clean energy sources such as wind and solar each formed almost 7% of the electricity consumed, while geothermal also contributed approximately 6%. This indicates a substantial reliance on fossil fuels, with low-carbon sources making up the minority of electricity generation in the region.
Suggestions
To increase its share of low-carbon electricity, Guadeloupe can look to the examples set by countries that have invested heavily in nuclear energy or expanded wind and solar capacities. France leads with nuclear contributing almost 70% of its electricity, showcasing a path towards significant carbon reduction. Similarly, Denmark harnesses over half of its electricity from wind, emphasizing the potential of harnessing local wind resources. Additionally, Lebanon's impressive uptake of solar energy—providing nearly a third of its electricity—demonstrates how solar can become a significant player in the electricity mix. Guadeloupe could benefit by investing in these technologies, capitalizing on its geographical advantages, and learning from these successful examples.
History
Historically, Guadeloupe's journey toward low-carbon electricity has seen limited fluctuations. In the early 2000s, biofuels consistently had little contribution without notable change, while geothermal began adding a modest share in 2005. In 2012, Guadeloupe embraced solar energy, beginning a slow adoption of diverse low-carbon sources. However, geothermal contributions remained static in subsequent years. A significant uptick in biofuels happened in 2021, with a modest rise in production, yet wind and other low-carbon sources saw no notable expansion at that time. Overall, the historical data highlights a slow progression towards integrated low-carbon electricity sources, necessitating further effort and ambition to enhance clean electricity generation in Guadeloupe.