Electricity in St. Kitts & Nevis in 2022
In 2022, St. Kitts & Nevis's electricity consumption was overwhelmingly dependent on fossil fuels, with close to 95% of its electricity generated from these sources. Meanwhile, low-carbon electricity accounted for less than 5% of the total, comprising entirely wind energy. The reliance on fossil fuels could lead to increased air pollution and contribute significantly to climate change, highlighting a pressing need to diversify and green the electricity mix with more sustainable sources.
Is Electricity Growing in St. Kitts & Nevis?
Electricity consumption in St. Kitts & Nevis has seen a slight decrease, with the per person usage in 2022 standing at 4708 kWh, down from a record of 4896 kWh per person in 2019. This is a reduction of 189 kWh per person, suggesting a concerning stagnation in electricity growth. On the more positive side, the generation of low-carbon electricity, measured at 214 kWh per person, remained consistent with the previous record set in 2021. However, maintaining the same level without further growth points to missed opportunities in expanding clean electricity capacity, crucial for future electrification and sustainable development.
Suggestions
St. Kitts & Nevis can significantly benefit from learning from countries adept at generating substantial low-carbon electricity. For instance, Denmark successfully generates almost a third of its electricity from wind, demonstrating the potential of wind power as a boon in island nations. Neighboring regions with similar geographic and climatic conditions should consider expanding solar power, evidenced by Lebanon, where solar energy contributes over 30% of the electricity mix. By investing in substantial solar infrastructure and exploring potential for wind energy expansion, St. Kitts & Nevis can increase its share of low-carbon electricity and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
History
Reviewing the historical data from 2012 to 2022, St. Kitts & Nevis has shown continual but stagnant low-carbon electricity generation through wind. Over the past decade, there was no progress in increasing wind electricity generation, maintaining a constant output with no additional capacity or new projects initiated. This decade-long stagnation reflects a disappointing trend in developing clean energy, underscoring the critical need for strategic planning and investment in diverse low-carbon technologies like solar and potentially nuclear options, ensuring future growth aligned with global green energy goals.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.