In 2022, almost three-quarters of Martinique’s electricity came from fossil fuels, while just over a quarter came from low-carbon sources. Biofuels supplied about 17% of electricity, solar provided 6%, and wind contributed almost 3%. This leaves Martinique heavily dependent on fossil electricity, with considerable scope to expand clean generation and reduce the climate impacts and air pollution associated with fossil fuels.

Is Electricity Growing in Martinique?

Electricity consumption per person in Martinique was slightly below its historical peak rather than setting a new record. In 2022, consumption reached about 4,260 kWh per person, roughly 1% below the 2019 record of 4,310 kWh. Low-carbon electricity generation, however, reached a new high of about 1,120 kWh per person, around 3% above its previous record in 2019. That clean electricity growth is encouraging, although the lack of growth in overall electricity consumption highlights the importance of preparing sufficient clean supply for future electrification and new demand.

Suggestions

Martinique could accelerate low-carbon electricity generation by expanding solar, developing suitable wind projects, and considering nuclear options appropriate to its electricity system. Island examples offer useful lessons: solar supplies about 23% of electricity in both Cyprus and the US state of Hawaii, while wind supplies about 14% in Cape Verde. These places provide relevant examples for developing island clean electricity systems, including pairing solar and wind with storage and grid improvements. France, where nuclear supplies about two-thirds of electricity, also offers valuable expertise that Martinique could draw on when assessing nuclear generation alongside a substantial solar expansion.

History

The reported history shows little recorded change in solar and geothermal electricity generation from 2007 through the early 2010s, with the listed annual changes rounded to zero TWh. The most notable increases came from biofuels in 2018 and 2019, rising by about 0.1 TWh and 0.2 TWh respectively. Listed wind changes in those years, and solar changes in 2019, rounded to zero. From 2020 through 2022, all reported changes across biofuels, wind, solar and geothermal likewise rounded to zero; this does not necessarily mean there were no smaller changes. The limited recorded momentum underscores the need for a stronger, sustained expansion of clean electricity, particularly solar, alongside consideration of nuclear.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade