Electricity in Trinidad & Tobago in 2023

As of 2023, Trinidad & Tobago heavily relies on fossil fuels for its electricity generation, with almost all electricity produced from these sources. This emphasizes the country's significant dependence on fossil energy, posing a challenge to sustainable development due to their associated environmental impacts including climate change and air pollution. The contribution of low-carbon or clean energy, such as solar, wind, or any nuclear electricity generation, is virtually non-existent. This imbalance underlines the need for a robust transition towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly electricity generation methods to ensure energy security and uphold global climate commitments.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Trinidad & Tobago can draw lessons from other successful countries. For example, Uruguay generates almost a third of its electricity from wind power and could serve as an example for harnessing Trinidad & Tobago's similar wind potential. Given the success with nuclear power in countries like France, Slovakia, and Ukraine, Trinidad & Tobago should consider studying these models to evaluate the feasibility of introducing nuclear energy to diversify its electricity mix sustainably. Investing in wind and solar energy infrastructure, as demonstrated by countries like Lithuania and Greece, could also significantly bolster the country's low-carbon electricity capacity. Implementing policies that encourage investment and technology transfer in these areas could facilitate this transition.

History

Historically, Trinidad & Tobago has seen an insignificant development in low-carbon electricity sources. From 1991 to 2023, no significant progress was made in expanding biofuels, solar, or wind electricity generation, evidenced by the lack of any recorded increases in electricity generation from these sources over the years. This stagnation suggests that strategic planning along with market and policy reforms might be essential to break through the status quo and promote green electricity generation in the coming years. It is now crucial for Trinidad & Tobago to take decisive action and leverage international experience to build a low-carbon future for its electricity sector.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources