Electricity in Guatemala in 2023

As of 2023, Guatemala's electricity consumption paints a nuanced picture regarding energy sources. More than half of the country's electricity, specifically 72%, comes from low-carbon sources, a commendable achievement in pursuing sustainable energy solutions. Hydropower is a significant contributor, accounting for about 41% of this low-carbon electricity, while biofuels add almost a quarter. Other clean energy sources like wind, geothermal, and solar collectively provide a modest 6.5%. However, fossil fuels still hold a considerable share of Guatemala's electricity mix, contributing approximately 25%, with coal alone making up 17%. Notably, net imports account for a small fraction, around 3%, reflecting some dependency on external sources.

Suggestions

Guatemala has substantial potential to further boost its low-carbon electricity production by learning from global successes. Looking at countries with similar backgrounds or climatic conditions, Uruguay stands out with wind energy contributing an impressive 28% of its electricity. Similarly, El Salvador has made strides, generating around 15% from solar power. These examples illustrate how diversifying into wind and solar can significantly enhance low-carbon electricity generation. Additionally, considering nuclear energy, as exemplified by France with 68% of its electricity from nuclear, Guatemala could explore this technology as a long-term, scalable solution to reduce fossil fuel dependency and increase sustainable energy production.

History

Historically, Guatemala has gone through various phases in developing its low-carbon electricity capacity. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, there were consistent small increases in hydropower, with notable further expansions observed throughout the 2000s, albeit with occasional setbacks such as slight declines in 2009 and 2015. A substantial effort was observed in 2017 when hydropower saw a significant increase, although this was partially offset by declines in subsequent years. Biofuels also saw fluctuations, notably increasing in 2010 and seeing another rise in 2021. This history showcases Guatemala's ongoing efforts to bolster its capacity for cleaner electricity generation, hinting at a promising trajectory towards a more sustainable energy future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources