Electricity in Martinique in 2021

As of 2021, Martinique's electricity consumption heavily relies on fossil fuels, which account for more than three-quarters of its electricity mix. Low-carbon energy sources make up less than a third of the electricity used. Within the low-carbon segment, biofuels contribute almost 17%, solar energy around 6%, and wind energy about 3%. This substantial reliance on fossil fuels poses significant challenges, including climate change and air pollution, indicating a crucial need for Martinique to pivot towards greener, low-carbon electricity sources to ensure a sustainable future.

Suggestions

To increase the share of low-carbon electricity generation, Martinique can take lessons from countries that have successfully integrated various green energy technologies. For instance, France generates about two-thirds of its electricity from nuclear power, which is a reliable and low-carbon choice. Similarly, Denmark produces over 60% of its electricity from wind energy. Uruguay and Ireland also demonstrate strong performance in wind energy, generating 36% and 34%, respectively. Martinique could benefit by diversifying its energy portfolio to include more nuclear, wind, and solar energy. Investing in these technologies, as proven by other nations, can significantly reduce dependence on fossil fuels and enhance the island's energy security.

History

Historically, Martinique has shown a slow but evolving approach toward integrating low-carbon energy sources. In the early 2000s, efforts in geothermal energy remained stagnant with no notable increases. Beginning in 2008, solar energy entered the scene but similarly saw no significant growth through the early 2010s. A more dynamic shift occurred in 2018 when biofuels began to show incremental increases, peaking in 2019 with an additional 0.2 TWh of electricity generation. Wind energy has also fluctuated, showing no notable changes from 2018 to 2021. This historical context underscores the need for Martinique to commit strongly to expanding its low-carbon electricity generation to keep pace with contemporary energy needs and environmental goals.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources