Electricity in Jamaica in 2022

In 2022, Jamaica's electricity consumption was predominantly fueled by fossil sources, with a significant portion, more than half, being derived from gas, resulting in a combined fossil energy share of about 86.5%. The reliance on fossil fuels, though providing an important energy backbone, comes with the dual consequences of contributing to climate change and exacerbating air pollution. In contrast, only a fraction of Jamaica's electricity came from low-carbon sources, accounting for roughly 13.5% of the total. Within this clean energy mix, wind contributed around 6.1%, while solar and hydropower each provided about 3.05%, with biofuels adding a small share of 1.31%. These figures indicate a clear potential for increasing the adoption of low-carbon technologies to align with global environmental priorities and to enhance Jamaica's energy resilience.

Suggestions

To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Jamaica can take inspiration from countries excelling in wind and solar energy. For instance, Uruguay and Denmark have managed to derive 36% and 59% of their electricity, respectively, from wind, demonstrating the potential for wind energy-prone regions to thrive with this sustainable source. Similar wind energy expansion can be effective for Jamaica given its geographic advantages. Additionally, countries like Greece and Chile have harnessed solar energy to produce as much as 22% and 21% of their electricity. As Jamaica benefits from ample sunlight, investing in solar infrastructure could significantly bolster its green electricity portfolio. By leveraging these clean technologies, Jamaica has the potential to reduce its fossil dependency and enhance its ecological footprint positively.

History

Reflecting on the history of low-carbon electricity in Jamaica, the timeline reveals a series of modest and fluctuating developments. Starting in the 1970s, biofuels experienced various small increases and decreases, suggesting an ongoing but limited role in electricity generation. The 1980s and 1990s saw intermittent changes primarily due to biofuels, with occasional negligible hydropower contributions. However, the new millennium witnessed the emergence of wind energy, first recognized in 2011, with meaningful increments observed by 2016. The exploration and gradual integration of wind energy, alongside intermittent biofuel adjustments, depict Jamaica's steady, albeit slow, embrace of clean energy solutions. This historical data underscores the importance of decisive policy shifts and investments to accelerate the transition toward more sustainable electricity sources.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources