Electricity in Jamaica in 2022
Global Ranking:
#147
13.5% #145 Low-carbon electricity
185.30
watts #135 Generation / person
As of 2022, Jamaica's electricity consumption is primarily driven by fossil fuels, with 3.97 TWh coming from fossil sources and 2.68 TWh from gas. Combined, these account for all of Jamaica's electricity generation. Compared to the global average of 432 watts per person, Jamaica's electricity generation is relatively low, potentially leading to challenges such as limited industrial growth, reduced quality of life, and constrained economic development. There is a considerable gap in incorporating low-carbon energy sources, which could mitigate issues related to climate change and air pollution.
Suggestions
To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Jamaica can learn from countries that have successfully integrated clean energy into their grids. For instance, China has made substantial strides in both wind (886 TWh) and solar (584 TWh) energy. Similarly, the United States has excelled in nuclear (775 TWh), wind (425 TWh), and solar (238 TWh) power. Countries similar in size and economic profile, like Brazil, which generates 96 TWh from wind and 52 TWh from solar, show that it is feasible to significantly ramp up low-carbon energy production. By investing in wind, solar, and nuclear technologies, Jamaica can foster a sustainable electric grid that reduces dependence on fossil fuels and mitigates environmental impacts.
History
Looking back, Jamaica has had a somewhat sporadic history of low-carbon electricity generation. Initially, in 1973, biofuels contributed 0.1 TWh, with a similar increase in 1976. However, there were ups and downs, with notable declines in biofuels in 1979 and 1984. The 1990s and early 2000s saw minor increases and decreases in biofuels output, with 1996 and 2000 showing a slight rise. Hydro and wind energy made negligible or zero contributions until the advent of a small wind generation in 2016. This suggests that Jamaica has only recently begun exploring sustainable, low-carbon sources, highlighting the significant potential for future growth in wind, solar, and especially nuclear energy.
Electricity Imports and Exports
Balance of Trade
Data Sources