In 2023, Guyana's electricity consumption is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, which account for more than 90% of the total energy mix. Clean energy sources contribute a small fraction, with low-carbon energy making up just a little over 6%. Within this category, biofuels provide more than 5% of the electricity, while solar energy contributes roughly 1.5%. The minimal use of solar energy suggests that there is significant room for improvement in adopting cleaner energy sources to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate their adverse effects on climate change and pollution.

Data sources used on this page include EIA and Ember. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Guyana?

Electricity consumption in Guyana has experienced growth, with the latest consumption reaching 1622 kWh per person, surpassing the previous record set in 2022 by 76 kWh per person. Notably, low-carbon electricity generation has also seen a significant increase, reaching 109 kWh per person in 2023. This marks a substantial rise from the previous record of 40 kWh per person in 2015, representing an impressive change of 69 kWh. This growth in both overall and low-carbon electricity generation is an encouraging trend towards more sustainable energy consumption in the country.

Suggestions

To further enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Guyana can look to successful regions for inspiration. The adoption of nuclear energy, as seen in countries like France and Slovakia, has proven effective, with nuclear energy providing more than half of their electricity. Similarly, solar energy has shown promise in regions such as Nevada and California, where it contributes to a significant portion of their clean energy mix. Additionally, embracing wind energy, as demonstrated by countries like Denmark and states like Iowa, could help diversify Guyana's energy portfolio. By investing in nuclear and solar technologies, Guyana can transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

History

The historical data of low-carbon electricity in Guyana reveals a long period of stagnation from 2000 to the early 2020s, with virtually no change in biofuels and solar energy generation. It wasn't until 2023 that a notable positive change was recorded with an increase in biofuels. Solar energy, however, still showed no growth during this time. This history of nearly two decades without substantial progress in low-carbon energy highlights an urgent need for Guyana to accelerate its efforts in harnessing solar and nuclear energy to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and improve its environmental footprint.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade