In Haiti, electricity consumption per person in 2022 was 88 kWh, which is a stark contrast to the global average of 3,794 kWh per person, emphasizing the country's development challenges. Over half of Haiti's electricity is derived from fossil fuels, which contributes to air pollution and climate change, exacerbating environmental challenges. The low-carbon or clean electricity generation is very limited, with hydroelectric power barely contributing 17 kWh per person. These figures highlight Haiti's urgent need to expand its electricity production, particularly in the clean energy sector, to foster economic growth, improve living standards, and reduce dependence on polluting fossil fuels.

Is Electricity Growing in Haiti?

Despite the global trend of increasing electricity consumption and the shift towards more sustainable energy sources, Haiti's electricity consumption has alarmingly decreased over the years. In 2012, electricity consumption was 109 kWh per person, which has since decreased by 21 kWh per person. The generation of low-carbon electricity has also diminished dramatically, from a high watermark of 69 kWh per person in 1990 to just 17 kWh per person in the latest data, representing a decline of 53 kWh per person. These declines undermine Haiti’s efforts to achieve sustainable development and electrification, highlighting a critical period that demands focused investment and strategic planning to reverse these trends and promote growth in clean electricity generation.

Suggestions

To bolster Haiti's low-carbon electricity generation, lessons can be drawn from successful regions. Thanks to significant solar production, countries like China and India have shown that harnessing solar power can be transformative. China's 1,266 TWh and India's 192 TWh from solar indicate the potential for substantial growth. Similarly, investing in nuclear energy—where the United States leads with 792 TWh—can provide secure and sustainable energy. By focusing on these sustainable energy options, Haiti can augment its clean energy production. Implementing solar power and considering the development of nuclear power infrastructure could be pivotal in elevating Haiti's energy profile, promoting economic stability, and addressing environmental concerns.

History

Haiti's history of low-carbon electricity generation has mainly relied on hydropower, with modest increments and declines noted over the decades. In the early 1970s, there was a marginal positive increase, but subsequent years have seen flat or negative changes with minor recoveries only in sporadic years such as 1986, 1988, 2012, 2017, and 2022. Unfortunately, phases of decline have interspersed these periods of gain, with significant losses noted around 1991, 2000, 2007, and 2011. These irregularities highlight a significant missed opportunity for sustained development of low-carbon sources. Haiti needs to shift its focus towards more reliable and scalable sources like solar and nuclear to ensure a steady growth trajectory in clean electricity production, ensuring resilience and sustainability in the face of fluctuating hydroelectric outputs.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade