Electricity in Montserrat in 2022

In 2022, Montserrat's electricity consumption relied entirely on fossil fuels. This means that every kilowatt-hour of electricity generated came from sources such as coal, oil, or natural gas. The lack of low-carbon energy sources, such as nuclear, wind, or solar, means that Montserrat's electricity sector contributes significantly to climate change and air pollution. This total dependency on fossil fuels makes Montserrat highly vulnerable to fluctuations in global fuel prices and availability, and contributes to the overall carbon footprint of the island.

Suggestions

To pivot towards low-carbon electricity generation, Montserrat can look to successful examples from other countries. France, for instance, generates more than two-thirds of its electricity from nuclear power, demonstrating the viability and benefits of a nuclear-heavy approach. Similarly, Denmark produces about 61% of its electricity from wind, showcasing a robust framework for integrating wind energy into the grid. Uruguay and Greece are also noteworthy, generating around one-third and 22% of their electricity from wind and solar, respectively. These cases highlight that even smaller countries with limited resources can achieve substantial low-carbon energy shares by adopting suitable policies and technologies.

History

Historically, Montserrat has seen almost no progress in low-carbon electricity generation. This stagnancy, with no increases in low-carbon electricity generation in the recorded data, underlines the need for a strategic overhaul. By not advancing in clean energy technologies, Montserrat has missed opportunities to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, mitigate climate change impacts, and improve public health through cleaner air. Moving forward, Montserrat must prioritize investment in nuclear, wind, and solar energy to foster a sustainable and resilient electricity sector for the future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources