In 2022, Jamaica’s electricity consumption largely depended on fossil energy, with gas leading the way as the dominant source. More than half of the electricity came from gas, totaling approximately 53%. Overall, fossil fuels contributed to a striking 87% of the electricity mix, indicating a heavy reliance on these traditional energy sources. Conversely, low-carbon energy sources made up a modest share, accounting for about 13% of the electricity generation. Within the low-carbon mix, wind energy supplied around 6%, while solar and hydropower contributed roughly 3% and 3%, respectively. Biofuels, although classified as a low-carbon source, played a negligible role, adding just over 1% to the total electricity generation.

Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Jamaica?

The electricity consumption per person in Jamaica has seen a concerning decline from its previous high. In 2022, the total electricity use was 1581 kWh per person, which is significantly lower—by about 1185 kWh per person—compared to the record level reached in 2006. This decline suggests that electricity consumption has not been growing, potentially limiting opportunities for economic and technological progress. Similarly, the low-carbon electricity generation per person has decreased slightly from its record in 1983. In 2022, it accounted for 204 kWh per person, which marks a decrease from the 229 kWh per person benchmark in 1983. This stagnation in low-carbon generation is alarming, considering the urgent need to reduce reliance on fossil energy to combat climate change and improve air quality.

Suggestions

Jamaica could significantly increase its low-carbon electricity generation by investing in both solar and nuclear energy, taking cues from successful regions. For solar energy, examples like Lebanon and Nevada, where solar constitutes about 31% and 30% of electricity generation respectively, showcase the potential for growth in sunny climates. For nuclear energy, France and Slovakia exemplify successful countries where nuclear provides more than half of their electricity, demonstrating the feasibility and reliability of this energy source. Additionally, the widespread use of wind energy in regions like Denmark and Iowa, where wind powers close to half or even more than half of the electricity, also provides a model for Jamaica to follow. Emulating these strategies could help Jamaica reduce its fossil fuel dependency while increasing its clean electricity capacity.

History

Jamaica's historical journey with low-carbon electricity sources illustrates a series of modest advancements, particularly in biofuels and wind. In the 1970s and 1990s, there were minor developments in biofuels, with fluctuating contributions mostly centered around increases and decreases of around 0.1 TWh. Wind energy began to make headway in more recent years. From 2016 to 2017, wind energy showed promise with continuous growth, enhancing the renewable sector albeit on a small scale. A commendable effort occurred in 2020 with solar energy making an entry, contributing 0.1 TWh. These historical changes reflect a pattern of gradual adoption of low-carbon sources, but the pace and scale need to be significantly ramped up to effectively meet future demands and environmental goals.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade