As of 2022, Haiti's electricity consumption is strikingly low compared to the global average. With an estimated use of only 88 kWh per person, it falls significantly short of the global average, which is around 3412 kWh per person. A tiny fraction, just about 19%, of Haiti's electricity is generated from low-carbon sources like hydroelectric power, equating to 17 kWh per person. Fossil fuels remain the dominant source of electricity in Haiti, contributing to air pollution and climate change while providing unreliable electricity to its population. This grave disparity in electricity access highlights potential challenges: impacts on economic development, limitations on educational and healthcare services, and barriers to improving overall quality of life.
Data sources used on this page include Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Haiti?
The worrying downward trend in Haiti’s electricity access is evident when compared to historical records. Notably, back in 2012, per capita consumption was 109 kWh, signifying an unfortunate decrease of -21 since then. Even more concerning is the fall in low-carbon electricity availability, which saw its highest record back in 1990 at 69 kWh per person; this means that today's generation levels have plummeted by over three-quarters from that figure, showing a drop of -53. These stark reductions indicate stagnation and underscore an urgent need to revitalize and expand Haiti's electricity generation capabilities, particularly via clean energy sources to foster environmental sustainability and economic resilience.
Suggestions
To stimulate growth in low-carbon electricity, Haiti can look to successful regions for inspiration. Countries such as France and the United States demonstrate substantial electricity generation through nuclear power, while Brazil and India have made significant strides in harnessing wind energy. Solar power, extensively utilized in countries like China and India, offers immense potential given Haiti's sunny climate. Leveraging such green technologies not only aligns with global trends but would also help Haiti wean off fossil fuels. Investing in modern nuclear power plants could serve as a sustainable backbone for electricity supply, while solar installations would take advantage of the country's natural conditions, ensuring a reliable, clean electricity future for Haiti.
History
Looking back at Haiti's low-carbon electricity generation history, several trends emerge. Until the mid-1990s, there were occasional increments in hydroelectric power, indicating a potential for growth that unfortunately was not sustained. Notably, between 1972 and 1990, there were modest increments, but subsequent fluctuations showed a lack of consistency. More troubling is the absence of any significant increase in green electricity throughout the subsequent decades, with minimal expansion or diversification into other forms of low-carbon energy technologies. This stagnation, particularly in not expanding into areas like solar or nuclear energy, has kept Haiti from progressing towards a sustainable and reliable electricity supply, highlighting missed opportunities that need urgent address in light of growing energy demands.
