Electricity in St. Kitts & Nevis in 2022
In St. Kitts & Nevis, electricity consumption in 2022 was overwhelmingly dominated by fossil energy, accounting for around 95% of the total generation, which is cause for concern given the detrimental environmental and health impacts associated with fossil fuels. Low-carbon sources are contributing a modest share of approximately 5%, with wind being the sole contributor to this sustainable slice. This small presence of clean energy indicates a significant opportunity for growth in low-carbon electricity, helping the islands reduce their reliance on polluting energy sources while meeting the demands of a growing population and economy.
Is Electricity Growing in St. Kitts & Nevis?
The data from 2022 points to a slight decrease in electricity consumption per person compared to the peak electricity consumption recorded in 2019, though the reduction is somewhat minimal—about 190 kWh/person. The per-person consumption in 2022 stood at 4711 kWh, which is a small decline from 4902 kWh in 2019. Meanwhile, low-carbon electricity generation remained stagnant with 214 kWh/person, marking no change from its 2021 level. This lack of improvement in low-carbon electricity generation is concerning, as it highlights the absence of a clear strategy to boost clean energy production, which is essential to sustainably meet present and future energy needs.
Suggestions
To transition towards a more sustainable energy mix, St. Kitts & Nevis should draw inspiration from successful experiences worldwide. Countries and states like Denmark and Iowa have achieved significant wind energy penetration, generating over half of their electricity from wind. Similarly, regions such as France and Slovakia rely predominantly on nuclear energy, showcasing its potential as a core low-carbon energy source. Expanding solar energy, as seen in Lebanon and Nevada, could also be productive given the favorable sunny conditions typical of the islands. By investing in a diversified mix of wind, solar, and nuclear power, St. Kitts & Nevis can accelerate its clean energy transition, reducing emissions and fostering economic resilience.
History
Reflecting on the historical data for low-carbon electricity in St. Kitts & Nevis, there has been a noticeable stagnation. Since 2012, wind energy has contributed a steady yet minimal amount to the islands’ electricity generation, with no significant developments or increases up to 2022. This decade-long status quo suggests a need for renewed focus on clean energy policies and investments. Embracing a forward-thinking approach to ramp up clean electricity could transform the current landscape, ensuring much greater contributions from sustainable energy sources in the coming years. Such a transformation would not only address the global challenges of climate change but also secure a more reliable and environmentally sensitive energy supply for the islands.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.