Electricity in St. Vincent & Grenadines in 2023
In St. Vincent & Grenadines, electricity consumption in 2023 heavily relies on fossil fuels, with a substantial portion of more than four-fifths—specifically about 87%—coming from these sources. Clean energy, on the other hand, constitutes around 13% of the consumed electricity, with all of it being generated by hydropower. This dependency on fossil fuels raises concerns regarding air pollution and climate change, underscoring the need for a transition to greener energy sources. There is significant room to diversify the energy mix by incorporating other forms of low-carbon generation, such as nuclear and solar.
Is Electricity Growing in St. Vincent & Grenadines?
Electricity consumption in St. Vincent & Grenadines shows a slight decline compared to previous years. The per-person electricity usage in 2023 stands at 1480 kWh, slightly below the 2016 peak of 1504 kWh, indicating a subtle decrease. More notably concerning is the drop in low-carbon electricity from its 2012 maximum of 276 kWh per person, influencing a decline of nearly a third to 197 kWh in 2023. These declines are pressing issues, as expanding clean electricity generation is critical not just for sustainability but also to meet rising future demands.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity, St. Vincent & Grenadines could benefit from adopting strategies from countries like Denmark and Lebanon, where wind and solar have achieved significant shares of over 30% of electricity production. Emulating these successful models involves investing in both solar and wind technology which are well-suited to island geographies and climate. Additionally, incorporating nuclear energy, which boosts a substantial share in nations like France, could offer a reliable, large-scale clean electricity solution. This strategic diversification could safeguard the island nation’s future energy security and sustainability, while also protecting the environment.
History
Looking at the historical context, St. Vincent & Grenadines’ low-carbon electricity sector, particularly hydropower, has seen negligible change from as early as 2001 through to the present day. Every year from 2001 to 2020 marked no change in hydroelectric output, indicating a long period of stagnation in low-carbon electricity generation. This stability, while it suggests a reliable hydropower system, also points to a lack of development in expanding or upgrading low-carbon sources. In contrast to the declining trend in recent years, there is a great opportunity to infuse dynamism into St. Vincent & Grenadines' electricity portfolio by pursuing advances in solar and nuclear energy, following examples set by visionary nations around the world.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.