In 2023, the electricity consumption in Guyana is primarily driven by fossil fuels, which account for more than 90% of the country's electricity generation. Low-carbon sources, such as biofuels and solar energy, make up a small portion, rounding up to nearly 7% in total. Biofuels contribute a little more than 5% to the overall electricity generation, while solar energy contributes close to 1.5%. This highlights a heavy reliance on fossil energy, which is concerning due to its negative impact on climate change and air pollution. Nevertheless, the presence of low-carbon electricity, though minimal, shows an opportunity for future growth in cleaner electricity generation.

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

Is Electricity Growing in Guyana?

Electricity consumption in Guyana is on the rise. In 2023, the per capita consumption has increased to 1622 kWh, up from 1546 kWh in 2022, showcasing a growth of 76 kWh per person. The increase is also reflected in the generation of low-carbon electricity, which jumped from a historic high of 40 kWh per person in 2015 to 109 kWh per person in 2023. This rise of 69 kWh suggests a positive trend towards incorporating more low-carbon energy sources into the country's energy mix. Continued growth in electricity consumption, coupled with efforts to increase the share of clean energy, is imperative to meet the country's energy demands sustainably.

Suggestions

To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Guyana should consider expanding its solar and nuclear energy capabilities. Drawing inspiration from regions like Nevada and Lebanon, where solar power contributes significantly to their electricity mix at around 30%, Guyana can significantly scale up solar energy. Additionally, lessons from numerous countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy plays a major role in electricity generation, offer valuable insights into leveraging nuclear energy as a stable, clean electricity source. Transitioning towards these sustainable energy options can help Guyana reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and progress towards a cleaner and more reliable electricity infrastructure.

History

Historically, Guyana's journey in low-carbon electricity has been remarkably slow, with stagnation observed in biofuels from 2000 to 2023 and solar between 2017 and 2023. There is limited growth in both areas, with only a slight increase in biofuels by 0.1 TWh in 2023. The slow uptake of these clean energy sources points to a missed opportunity in expanding the country's sustainable energy landscape. Moving forward, adopting a robust strategy to enhance solar and nuclear energy could change the trajectory significantly, positioning Guyana as a leader in sustainable electricity generation in the region.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade