In 2023, over 70% of Guatemala's electricity came from low-carbon sources, reflecting a robust dedication to clean energy. The majority of this low-carbon electricity, over 40%, was generated by hydropower, while biofuels contributed almost a quarter. Wind and geothermal power each accounted for around 2% of the electricity mix, with solar providing slightly less than 2%. In contrast, fossil fuels represented around a quarter of the total electricity consumption, indicating a significant, yet not dominant, reliance on coal and other fossil sources. Net electricity imports constituted a small 3% of the country's consumption, highlighting an overall independence from foreign electricity supplies.
Is Electricity Growing in Guatemala?
Unfortunately, Guatemala is currently witnessing a worrisome decrease in electricity consumption. The latest numbers in 2023 show a consumption of 769 kWh per person, a decline of 112 kWh from the record set in 2021. This troubling trend is mirrored in the low-carbon electricity sector, where generation decreased by 93 kWh per person from its 2021 peak of 646 kWh per person. Such declines, in both overall and green electricity usage, are concerning, as Guatemala needs to boost its electricity generation capacity to meet growing demands and further curb the impacts of fossil fuels, which contribute to climate change and air pollution.
Suggestions
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Guatemala could draw lessons from regions leading in solar and nuclear power. For instance, countries like Slovakia, where nuclear energy accounts for over 60% of their electricity mix, and states like Nevada and Chile that have harnessed their abundant sunlight to achieve more than 20% of their electricity from solar power, could serve as guiding examples. Emulating the strategies of these successful regions could aid Guatemala in significantly increasing solar and nuclear power within its own energy mix, thus contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable electricity future.
History
Historically, Guatemala has steadily expanded its low-carbon electricity generation over the years. During the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s, hydropower saw multiple years of growth, particularly in 1986 with an increase of 0.8 TWh. The early 2000s brought further progress, with notable hydropower increases, such as a 0.9 TWh boost in 2010 accompanied by growth in biofuels. However, the journey faced setbacks, including declines in hydropower in 2009 and 2015. The late 2010s experienced mixed trends, with hydro and biofuel fluctuations until 2021, which saw simultaneous increases in both sectors. Recent times, nonetheless, marked a disappointing downturn in hydropower in 2023, reflecting the growing need for Guatemala to invest in diversified low-carbon sources like solar and nuclear to ensure a resilient, clean electricity future.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.