Electricity in Guatemala in 2022

In 2022, Guatemala's electricity generation was largely characterized by a dominant share of low-carbon sources, contributing more than two-thirds of the total electricity produced. Hydropower was the most significant contributor, accounting for more than a third of the overall electricity generation. Meanwhile, biofuels also played a meaningful role, providing almost a quarter of the electricity. Wind, geothermal, and solar energy collectively added close to none, with small shares of around 3%, 3%, and 2%, respectively. In contrast, nearly a third of the electricity came from fossil sources, primarily coal, which made up more than a quarter of the total. This underscores a significant reliance on coal, with other fossil contributions being relatively negligible.

Suggestions

To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Guatemala can draw inspiration from countries successfully implementing various clean energy strategies. For instance, Uruguay generates over a third of its electricity from wind power, demonstrating the potential of harnessing wind resources effectively. Simultaneously, countries like Greece and Chile have shown that solar power can play a substantial role, with around a fifth of their electricity coming from solar energy. By studying these countries' strategies, Guatemala can explore the feasibility of expanding wind and solar infrastructure. Furthermore, nuclear energy remains a cornerstone of low-carbon electricity in many countries, such as France and Slovakia, where nuclear power supplies more than half of the electricity used. Considering nuclear power could also diversify Guatemala's low-carbon energy mix significantly.

History

Historically, low-carbon electricity in Guatemala has experienced various shifts over the decades. In the late 1980s and 1990s, there was steady growth in hydroelectricity, with incremental increases noted in 1986, 1990, and 1999. The early 2000s saw further additions, culminating in a notable surge in 2010. However, this was accompanied by a decline the following year. The mid-2010s witnessed fluctuations, including a slight drop in biofuels generation in 2011, but a marked uptick in biofuels was observed in 2013 and 2018. Noteworthy changes occurred in 2017 and 2020, with significant increases in hydroelectricity, contrasting with periodic declines in subsequent years. Although biofuels had their ups and downs, the drive towards expanding clean electricity sources stood resilient, particularly with hydropower remaining a key player in the nation's low-carbon electricity portfolio.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources