Haiti's current electricity consumption is quite low, with the average person using only about 88 kWh per year. This is just a small fraction of the global average, which sits around 3771 kWh per person. The reliance on fossil fuels is significant, comprising the majority of Haiti's electricity mix, while low-carbon sources, such as hydro, contribute less than a fifth of the total electricity generation. The low levels of electricity generation have severe implications for the country's development, limiting economic growth opportunities and holding back advances in healthcare, education, and technology. Furthermore, the reliance on fossil fuels not only aggravates climate change impacts but also contributes to air pollution, affecting public health.
Is Electricity Growing in Haiti?
Electricity generation in Haiti is not on a trajectory of growth. Over the last decade, electricity consumption per person has actually decreased, with the latest figures dropping by 21 kWh per person from a peak in 2012 of 109 kWh per person. Low-carbon electricity generation has seen an even bigger decline, with the latest figures down by over 50 kWh per person from Haiti’s record in 1990. This reduction is troubling because without substantial growth in clean electricity, Haiti will struggle to meet the rising energy needs of its population and miss out on opportunities for sustainable development.
Suggestions
Haiti can take inspiration from regions that have successfully expanded their low-carbon electricity generation, particularly through solar and nuclear power. Countries like India and Brazil have significantly increased their solar and wind energy output, demonstrating the potential of these clean resources in tropical and subtropical climates. Meanwhile, countries like France and states such as Illinois have achieved substantial progress with nuclear energy, showcasing its capability to provide a steady and reliable electricity supply. By investing in solar installations and considering the introduction of nuclear energy, Haiti can pave the way for a sustainable energy future free from the volatility and environmental damage of fossil fuels.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Haiti, mainly through hydropower, has seen fluctuating progress. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, small but positive increments of electricity generation were observed. However, the late 1990s and early 2000s saw setbacks with some declines. In recent years, from 2017 to 2022, there have been slight increases, showing some signs of recovery. This intermittent progress underscores the need for more consistent efforts to expand low-carbon energy sources in Haiti, especially through complementary technologies like solar and nuclear, to stabilize and grow Haiti's electricity infrastructure sustainably.
