Electricity in St. Kitts & Nevis in 2022

In 2022, the electricity consumption in St. Kitts & Nevis was predominantly from fossil fuels, with more than 95% of the electricity generated coming from these sources. The low-carbon energy contribution was modest, at approximately 5%, all of which was derived from wind power. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels presents both environmental and economic challenges, including vulnerability to fuel price volatility and the adverse impacts of climate change and air pollution. The minimal presence of low-carbon energy indicates an urgent need for diversification towards more sustainable energy sources.

Suggestions

To enhance the share of low-carbon electricity generation, St. Kitts & Nevis could look to successful examples from other countries. For instance, Denmark achieves close to 60% of its electricity from wind energy, illustrating the potential for wind power, which is already contributing to St. Kitts & Nevis's energy mix. Furthermore, considering the abundant sunshine in the region, harnessing solar energy could be another viable option, akin to Cyprus, where solar energy accounts for about 19% of electricity generation. The island nation can also consider small-scale nuclear as a long-term goal, following Sweden's balanced use of nuclear and wind for clean energy generation. By drawing lessons from similar contexts and investing in a mix of wind, solar, and potentially nuclear power, St. Kitts & Nevis can significantly increase its clean energy footprint.

History

Historically, low-carbon electricity generation in St. Kitts & Nevis, specifically wind power, has been stagnant. From 2012 to 2022, there was close to no change in electricity generation from wind, signifying a decade of stagnation in increasing the share of low-carbon energy. This unchanged scenario highlights the need for proactive policies and investments to revitalize and expand the role of green energy in the country's electricity sector. The lack of growth underscores the missed opportunities for harnessing the environmental and economic benefits of sustainable energy resources. Addressing these issues now could set the stage for a greener and more resilient energy future for St. Kitts & Nevis.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources