Electricity in St. Vincent & Grenadines in 2023
As of 2023, the electricity consumption in St. Vincent & Grenadines is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with almost 90% of electricity generated from these sources. This substantial dependence on fossil energy brings attention to the urgent need for cleaner alternatives due to the negative impacts of fossil fuels, such as climate change and air pollution. On the positive side, the nation does have a small but significant portion of its electricity coming from clean energy, specifically hydropower, which accounts for a bit over 13% of the total electricity generation. However, the current state clearly indicates that St. Vincent & Grenadines has a long way to go in transitioning towards a more sustainable electricity generation model.
Is Electricity Growing in St. Vincent & Grenadines?
Recent data suggests that electricity consumption in St. Vincent & Grenadines has slightly decreased. The latest figure of 1481 kWh per person represents a small decline from the previous record of 1505 kWh per person achieved in 2016. Similarly, clean electricity generation has also seen a decline, with the latest figure standing at 197 kWh per person compared to the 276 kWh per person record in 2012. This reduction in both overall and clean electricity generation is concerning in the context of growing global demands for sustainable energy solutions. The stagnation in low-carbon electricity generation should be a wake-up call, urging immediate strategic planning and investments in sustainable energy infrastructure.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, St. Vincent & Grenadines could look toward the strategies implemented by various successful regions around the world. Incorporating solar energy, as evident in countries like Lebanon and Cyprus, where solar power significantly contributes to their energy mix, can be beneficial. Additionally, embracing nuclear energy, as practiced in France and Slovakia, can offer a reliable and large-scale solution for reducing dependency on fossil fuels. By learning from these examples and adapting them to local conditions, St. Vincent & Grenadines could establish a more robust and sustainable electricity sector, aligning itself with global trends toward clean energy and reducing environmental impacts.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in St. Vincent & Grenadines reflects a stable but stagnant reliance on hydropower since 2001, with no recorded changes in its output. This two-decade streak of unchanging hydropower production suggests a need for diversification and an expansion of other clean energy sources to meet future demands and reduce emissions. An investment in new technologies like solar and nuclear energy could complement the existing hydropower infrastructure, creating a diversified and resilient energy sector capable of supporting the nation's growth while protecting the environment. Embracing a wider mix of clean energy options is critical for achieving long-term sustainability and energy security.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.