In 2022, Martinique relied on fossil fuels for almost three-quarters of its electricity consumption, while low-carbon sources supplied just over a quarter. Biofuels accounted for about 17% of electricity, solar for 6%, and wind for nearly 3%. This leaves substantial room to expand clean electricity and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, along with their climate and air-pollution impacts.

Is Electricity Growing in Martinique?

Electricity consumption per person was not at a new high in 2022: it reached about 4,264 kWh, roughly 46 kWh, or 1%, below the 2019 record of 4,311 kWh. That shortfall is concerning as electrification and growing digital demand call for more clean electricity. Encouragingly, low-carbon generation reached a new record of about 1,116 kWh per person, around 32 kWh above its previous peak in 2019—a gain of approximately 3%. Clean electricity was therefore advancing even though overall consumption remained below its peak.

Suggestions

Martinique can accelerate low-carbon electricity generation by expanding solar and wind while exploring nuclear options suited to its electricity system, drawing on France’s expertise. Relevant island examples include the US state of Hawaii, where solar supplies about 23% of electricity, and Cyprus, where it provides 24%—both far above Martinique’s 6%. Rooftop solar, larger solar installations, storage, and grid improvements could support similar progress. Cape Verde, with around 14% of electricity from wind, also offers an island reference for expanding wind generation. France’s roughly 67% nuclear share illustrates how nuclear can anchor a low-carbon electricity supply; Martinique could assess how emerging nuclear technologies might complement solar and wind over the longer term.

History

The supplied history shows little recorded change in Martinique’s low-carbon electricity generation from 2007 through 2012, with geothermal and solar entries showing zero change at the reported precision. The clearest increases came in the late 2010s, when biofuels generation rose by 0.1 TWh in 2018 and another 0.2 TWh in 2019. Wind and solar entries around those years showed no change at the reported precision. From 2020 through 2022, the listed biofuels, wind, solar, and geothermal entries likewise recorded zero changes. These rounded figures may conceal smaller movements, but the absence of substantial recorded gains across those entries highlights the need for a stronger, sustained expansion of clean electricity.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade