In 2022, Haiti's electricity consumption stood at only 88 kWh/person, a mere fraction of the global average of 3649 kWh/person. More than half of this consumption came from fossil energy, leaving low-carbon sources contributing close to none at merely 17 kWh/person. The limited electricity access in Haiti is far below international standards, restricting economic growth, educational advancement, and healthcare improvements. Without sufficient electricity, basic services become challenging, constraining the overall development and quality of life in the region.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Haiti?
Examining electricity trends in Haiti reveals a worrying decline. In 2016, electricity consumption per person was higher at 102 kWh, indicating a troubling decrease to 88 kWh/person by 2022. Even more concerning is the stark reduction in low-carbon electricity from a high of 69 kWh/person in 1990 to just 17 kWh/person in 2022. This loss of significant low-carbon generation is disheartening, as clean energy is crucial for sustainable growth and combating the adverse effects of fossil fuels like pollution and climate change.
Suggestions
For Haiti to expand its low-carbon electricity generation, inspiration can be drawn from successful regions around the globe. Nations such as Brazil and India have made significant strides with wind and solar energy, generating 115 TWh and 157 TWh annually, respectively, pointing to a promising path forward. Additionally, nuclear energy, as evidenced by substantial contributions in states like Illinois (99 TWh) and countries like France (369 TWh), should be a core component of Haiti's energy strategy. Investing in solar and nuclear can drive sustainable electricity growth, providing resilient and clean energy for future generations.
History
Low-carbon electricity generation in Haiti has a long history of reliance on hydropower, which has experienced fluctuations over the years. In the late 20th century, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s, changes were modest with slight increases and stagnation. However, the late 1980s and beyond started to show more significant declines, particularly with a decrease in 1991 and continued instability afterwards. Despite slight recoveries in certain years, such as 1998 and more recently in 2018 and 2022, the inconsistency in hydropower generation underscores the urgent need for Haiti to diversify its clean energy sources to achieve a stable and increased electricity output. Nuclear, combined with solar, offers a viable path to future-proof Haiti's energy sector.
