Electricity in St. Kitts & Nevis in 2021

In St. Kitts & Nevis, the overwhelming majority of electricity currently comes from fossil fuels, accounting for approximately 95% of the total production. This heavy dependence on fossil energy demonstrates the nation's current state of electricity consumption. On the flip side, a comparatively small fraction, almost 5%, is generated from low-carbon energy sources. It is interesting to note that the entirety of this cleaner, green energy is generated by wind power, accounting for nearly the entire share of low-carbon electricity production in the country.

Suggestions

Looking at successful models around the world, St. Kitts & Nevis could greatly benefit from increasing its low-carbon electricity generation, particularly through harnessing more wind power and potentially introducing nuclear energy. Countries like Denmark and Uruguay have successfully made wind power a substantial part of their energy production, with 59% and 40% of their electricity respectively coming from this source. Moreover, considering the similar size and tropical climate, St. Kitts & Nevis could possibly take inspiration from Vanuatu's solar energy program, which makes up 14% of its electricity production. Moreover, the utilization of nuclear energy as seen in countries like France and Slovakia, where it constitutes 66% and 61% of their electricity generation, could be another feasible option for St. Kitts & Nevis to raise its low-carbon power output, granted the necessary infrastructural and safety considerations are met.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in St. Kitts & Nevis is relatively recent and centred around wind power, which started to appear in the nation's electricity mix only less than a decade ago. There is noticeable consistency in the data from 2012 to 2021, showing no change in the total amount of wind electricity generated over this period. This suggests an untapped potential for increase in wind electricity generation. The absence of any other low-carbon electricity sources such as nuclear or solar during this period accentuates the persistent reliance on fossil fuels and the need for a broader and more diversified low-carbon energy strategy in the future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources