In 2022, electricity consumption in St. Kitts & Nevis was overwhelmingly reliant on fossil fuels, with these traditional energy sources accounting for about 95% of the electricity generation mix. By stark contrast, low-carbon energy, represented solely by wind power, contributed a mere 5% to the total electricity generation. This disproportionate reliance on fossil fuels results in higher greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, underscoring the urgent need to transition towards greener energy sources. Expanding low-carbon electricity sources is crucial, as it would not only reduce environmental impact but also align with global efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Data sources used on this page include Ember. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in St. Kitts & Nevis?

There has been a slight decrease in the overall electricity consumption per capita in St. Kitts & Nevis between the years 2019 and 2022, with a reduction from 4,902 kWh/person to 4,711 kWh/person. This represents a decline of about 190 kWh/person over the three-year period. Despite this reduction in overall electricity use, the growth of low-carbon electricity has stagnated, with the generation remaining unchanged at 214 kWh/person from 2021 to 2022. This lack of progress in augmenting clean energy generation is concerning and indicates that St. Kitts & Nevis is not yet leveraging its full potential to enhance sustainable energy production and meet increasing future demands for electricity.

Suggestions

To boost its low-carbon electricity generation, St. Kitts & Nevis can draw inspiration from successful regions with a high percentage of clean energy. For instance, both Denmark and Iowa have made significant strides with wind power generating about 59% and 60% of their electricity, respectively. These examples could serve as valuable blueprints for optimizing wind energy potential on the islands. Furthermore, solar energy presents another opportunity for diversification and growth in clean power. Regions like Nevada and Lebanon demonstrate the viability of solar energy, contributing 33% and 31% of their electricity, respectively. Implementing similar strategies could significantly improve the share of low-carbon electricity production in St. Kitts & Nevis and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

History

Reflecting on the historical context of low-carbon electricity in St. Kitts & Nevis, the records indicate no change in wind power generation from 2012 through 2022. This decade-long stagnation in clean energy development presents a missed opportunity to harness the full potential of sustainable resources. The island nation has yet to capitalize on wind energy effectively, an area where consistent growth could have built a robust low-carbon framework. Moving forward, it is crucial that St. Kitts & Nevis not only adopt diverse low-carbon technologies but also actively invest and drive initiatives that can sustainably enhance its clean electricity capacity. It is past time for proactive engagement in building a greener and more resilient energy future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade