Electricity in Guyana in 2023
In 2023, Guyana’s electricity consumption is predominantly dependent on fossil fuels, with more than 90% of the country’s electricity generation coming from these carbon-intensive sources. Close to 7% of electricity is produced from low-carbon sources. Within this clean energy category, biofuels contribute slightly over 5% while solar power accounts for nearly 1.5%. This indicates an urgent need for Guyana to diversify its energy portfolio, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, not only to combat air pollution and climate change but also to align with global shifts towards sustainable electricity sources.
Is Electricity Growing in Guyana?
Guyana is witnessing a noticeable growth in electricity consumption. In 2023, the electricity demand increased to 1622 kWh per person compared to 1546 kWh per person in 2022, marking a growth of 76 kWh/person. This reflects a broader trend of rising electricity demand, which can partly be attributed to the country's development activities. More hopeful is the fact that low-carbon electricity generation has more than doubled since its previous record high in 2015. The increase in low-carbon generation by 69 kWh/person is a positive step but still suggests ample room for improvement, particularly in solar and potential nuclear sources, to stabilize and enhance this upward trajectory sustainably.
Suggestions
For Guyana to significantly ramp up its low-carbon electricity generation, taking cues from successful international models is pivotal. Regions like Nevada and Lebanon have remarkably harnessed solar energy, generating close to a quarter to a third of their electricity from solar power. Similarly, nuclear energy, exemplified by countries like France and Slovakia with over half of their electricity derived from this low-carbon source, presents a reliable and sustainable option for baseload power. By bolstering policies and investments in these areas, Guyana can improve its energy independence, reduce emissions, and meet the future energy demands driven by electrification and technological growth, especially in AI.
History
Looking back at the history of low-carbon electricity developments in Guyana, progress has been gradual. From 2000 up to the early 2020s, there was virtually no change in biofuels, while solar energy only began to make an appearance in 2017. The year 2023 marks a small yet encouraging leap with a modest increase in biofuels generation. However, the lack of significant and consistent growth in low-carbon electricity over the years underscores the vital need for a strategic push towards integrating more robust solutions like solar and nuclear power to ensure a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for Guyana.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.