As of 2022, the electricity consumption in St. Kitts & Nevis is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, making up about 95% of the total electricity generation. The remaining portion is generated through wind power, a clean energy source, accounting for just under 5% of the total. This indicates that despite the significant global push towards cleaner energy sources to mitigate the impacts of climate change and reduce air pollution, St. Kitts & Nevis's electricity sector remains predominantly fossil-dependent, with only a small fraction stemming from low-carbon options.
St. Kitts & Nevis can look towards increasing its low-carbon electricity generation by expanding its wind capabilities as well as embracing solar power. Observing other countries that have achieved substantial low-carbon electricity generation can provide valuable insights. For instance, Denmark generates more than half of its electricity from wind energy, and Ireland generates almost a third from wind. Further, Lebanon and Cyprus have adopted solar energy significantly, achieving around 31% and 19% of their electricity generation from this source, respectively. These examples illustrate that by following similar strategies—investing in wind and solar infrastructure—St. Kitts & Nevis could enhance its share of clean electricity.
Reviewing the history of low-carbon electricity in St. Kitts & Nevis over the past decade reveals a static trend, particularly with wind energy. Since at least 2012, there has been no growth in electricity generation from wind, with generation figures remaining constant year after year. This stagnation suggests that while the infrastructure for wind power exists, there hasn't been any expansion or improvement in this sector. To build a more sustainable future, St. Kitts & Nevis should consider adopting successful strategies from other nations to stimulate growth in its low-carbon electricity production, thereby reducing its dependency on fossil fuels.