St. Lucia's electricity consumption in 2022 is heavily dominated by fossil fuels, with almost all of its electricity, more than 97%, coming from this source. Only a small fraction, around 2.5%, is generated from low-carbon sources, which in this case is entirely composed of solar energy. This minimal share of low-carbon electricity indicates a reliance on fossil fuels that contributes significantly to climate change and air pollution, posing environmental challenges for the island.

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

Is Electricity Growing in St. Lucia?

Electricity consumption in St. Lucia is currently experiencing a decline. The latest data for 2022 indicates an average consumption of 2238 kWh per person, which is slightly lower than the record high of 2341 kWh per person registered in 2010, signifying a drop of 103 kWh per person. Low-carbon electricity generation has shown no growth, remaining constant at 56 kWh per person from the previous year. This stagnation in low-carbon growth is concerning, as the island must increase clean energy output to combat climate change and meet future demand.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, St. Lucia can draw inspiration from regions that have successfully harnessed both solar and nuclear power. For solar energy, Lebanon and Nevada offer promising examples, generating over 30% of their electricity from solar. On the other hand, nuclear power, as demonstrated in countries like France and Slovakia which derive approximately 69% and 67% of their electricity from nuclear energy respectively, represents a robust option for large-scale clean energy production. By considering the integration of these clean energy sources, St. Lucia can work towards reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and paving the way toward a sustainable energy future.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in St. Lucia shows minimal changes, with no increase in solar electricity generation in both 2021 and 2022. This period of stagnation underscores the pressing need for a strategic shift towards expanding clean energy infrastructure to facilitate growth in low-carbon electricity. Without proactive steps to embrace sustainable energy solutions like solar and nuclear power, St. Lucia risks falling behind in its ability to provide cleaner electricity and safeguard against the environmental challenges posed by continued reliance on fossil fuels.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade