Currently, electricity consumption in Puerto Rico is heavily dominated by fossil fuels, contributing to negative environmental impacts like climate change and air pollution. Close to nearly all of the island's electricity, more than 94%, comes from fossil energy with gas leading at 23% and coal contributing around 19%. In contrast, low-carbon electricity generation is significantly limited, making up just under 6% of the total. Of this small portion, solar energy accounts for most of it at around 4%, while wind power contributes about 1%. The reliance on fossil fuels highlights the urgent need for Puerto Rico to transition toward cleaner sources of electricity, including solar and potentially nuclear energy, to address environmental concerns and secure a sustainable energy future.

Data sources used on this page include EIA and Ember. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Puerto Rico?

Electricity consumption per person in Puerto Rico has decreased since its peak in 2006, which is concerning in light of the global push for increased electrification. The latest consumption figures for 2024 stand at approximately 5,810 kWh per person, marking a decline of 802 kWh per person compared to the 2006 record. On a more positive note, low-carbon electricity generation has seen slight growth, setting a new record at 338 kWh per person. This increase of 8 kWh per person since 2022 offers a glimmer of hope, but the overall pace of growth in low-carbon generation remains modest. The need for cleaner, low-carbon energy is evident, and Puerto Rico must strive to accelerate its transition to a more sustainable electricity system.

Suggestions

Learning from successful regions globally could help Puerto Rico substantially increase its low-carbon electricity share. States like Nevada showcase the potential for solar energy, where it accounts for more than a third of their electricity generation. Similarly, California sees solar contributing 31% of its electricity needs, emphasizing that increasing solar panels and infrastructure can play a pivotal role. On the nuclear front, France and Slovakia serve as benchmarks with nuclear energy providing over 66% of their electricity, demonstrating the profound impact nuclear can have in decreasing reliance on fossil fuels. By adopting similar strategies, Puerto Rico can significantly enhance its clean energy profile, ensuring a resilient and sustainable electricity supply.

History

Puerto Rico's history with low-carbon electricity has seen its share of ups and downs. In the 1980s and 1990s, changes in hydroelectric production were modest, fluctuating between small increases and decreases. Significant attention to wind power began in 2013, seeing a notable increase of 0.2 TWh. Since then, growth in solar energy has been more consistent, starting in 2018 and steadily increasing through 2022. Wind energy saw an additional increase in 2024. These growth patterns underscore the recent focus on diversifying energy sources, notably through solar and wind, but they also highlight the underlying potential that remains untapped. It's crucial for Puerto Rico to build on these developing trends to revitalize its approach to low-carbon electricity and secure a sustainable energy future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade