Electricity in St. Pierre & Miquelon in 2022
In 2022, the electricity consumption in St. Pierre & Miquelon was entirely reliant on fossil fuels. This means that 100% of their electricity came from sources like oil and gas, with close to none being generated from sustainable low-carbon sources like nuclear, wind, or solar. The absence of clean energy sources in the electricity mix highlights a significant opportunity for improvement as the territory could benefit greatly from reducing its dependence on fossil fuels to mitigate the impacts of climate change and air pollution.
Is Electricity Growing in St. Pierre & Miquelon?
Regarding the growth of electricity consumption in St. Pierre & Miquelon, there has been a modest increase. In 2022, electricity consumption reached 8735 kWh per person, slightly up from the previous record of 8685 kWh per person set in 2021. The increase of 50 kWh per person suggests that electricity demand is rising, albeit slowly. However, the low-carbon electricity generation remains stagnant at 0 kWh per person, unchanged from the previous record set in the year 2000. The lack of any growth in low-carbon generation is concerning, as it fails to support the rising electricity demand with more sustainable sources.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, St. Pierre & Miquelon can look to successful regions for inspiration. France and Slovakia serve as excellent examples for nuclear energy use, with nuclear contributing over 60% of their electricity. On the other hand, Iowa and South Dakota showcase the successful implementation of wind energy, with its contribution making up more than half of their electricity use. St. Pierre & Miquelon would greatly benefit from reviewing these models, especially in adopting nuclear and wind energy. They stand to not only increase low-carbon electricity but also stimulate economic growth and sustainability.
History
In reviewing the historical data of low-carbon electricity in St. Pierre & Miquelon, it becomes evident that there has been an unfortunate stagnation. For decades, particularly in recent years, there has been no progress in increasing low-carbon electricity generation. This absence stands in stark contrast to other regions that have seized the opportunity to integrate clean energy sources, thus missing out on both environmental and economic benefits of such a transition. It is imperative for St. Pierre & Miquelon to pivot towards a future where clean energy plays a significant role in their electricity mix.