In 2022, Martinique's electricity consumption heavily relied on fossil fuels, with more than 70% of its energy derived from these sources. Only around a quarter of its electricity came from low-carbon sources. Within the low-carbon category, biofuels were the predominant source, making up about 17% of the overall electricity mix. Solar and wind energy contributed smaller portions, about 6% and almost 3% respectively. These figures underscore a pressing need for Martinique to pivot more decisively toward low-carbon electricity sources to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which are contributors to climate change and air pollution.
Data sources used on this page include Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Martinique?
When comparing recent electricity consumption trends in Martinique, it appears that overall electricity consumption has not grown. The average electricity use was 4264 kWh per person in 2022, a slight decrease from the previous record of 4311 kWh per person in 2019. Interestingly, low-carbon electricity generation saw a small increase, with recent records showing a rise to 1116 kWh per person, up from 1085 kWh in 2019. This increment indicates a modest shift towards clean energy, albeit overshadowed by an overall stagnant consumption pattern. There is a critical need for a comprehensive strategic approach to grow electricity consumption while ensuring the majority is sourced from clean energy.
Suggestions
To boost the share of low-carbon electricity generation, Martinique can draw inspiration from regions with successful green energy programs. For solar energy development, states like California and countries like Lebanon demonstrate that solar can contribute about 30% of electricity needs, indicating significant potential for Martinique. Additionally, integrating nuclear energy, as seen in countries like France and Slovakia, where it makes up more than half of their electricity generation, can offer a reliable, clean, and sustainable energy source. By investing in solar and considering nuclear options, Martinique could set a robust foundation for a greener energy future, moving away from the carbon-heavy electricity mix it currently relies upon.
History
In examining the historical context, Martinique's journey towards low-carbon electricity has experienced limited progress since 2007. Throughout the late 2000s and the early 2010s, there was stagnation in both geothermal and solar energy development, with no perceptible growth in electricity generated from these sources. More recently, in 2018 and 2019, biofuels saw small improvements, but wind and solar experienced no growth. This historical inertia highlights a crucial area for potential development. Efforts need to focus on overcoming barriers that have historically stalled the expansion of low-carbon technologies, ensuring a more dynamic energy landscape in Martinique's future.
