Electricity in Trinidad & Tobago in 2023
Trinidad & Tobago's current electricity consumption heavily relies on fossil fuels, with more than 99% of its electricity generated from these sources. Specifically, natural gas is the primary contributor, accounting for almost all the energy within the fossil category. Clean energy sources are remarkably scarce, making up less than 1% of the total electricity generation. This heavy dependency on fossil fuels not only has serious implications for climate change and air pollution but also represents a missed opportunity to leverage low-carbon sources such as solar and nuclear power that could provide clean and sustainable electricity.
Is Electricity Growing in Trinidad & Tobago?
The trend in electricity consumption in Trinidad & Tobago shows a concerning decline. As of 2023, the electricity consumption per person is 6321 kWh, which is a decrease compared to the previous record of 6963 kWh in 2014. This reduction indicates a fall of approximately 9%, suggesting stagnation rather than growth. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has also declined, with the latest figures showing just 7 kWh per person compared to a record 35 kWh per person back in 1971. Such a decline highlights the urgent need for strategic measures to increase electricity consumption, particularly from low-carbon sources, to meet future demands in a sustainable fashion.
Suggestions
To jumpstart the growth of low-carbon electricity, Trinidad & Tobago can look to other countries that have successfully adopted clean energy technologies. For instance, countries like Lebanon have harnessed solar power to meet 31% of their electricity needs, while Uruguay effectively utilizes wind for 28% of their electricity generation. These examples demonstrate viable paths for transitioning to sustainable sources. Trinidad & Tobago could similarly focus on expanding solar and considering nuclear, both of which have shown significant success globally. By investing strategically in these areas, Trinidad & Tobago can reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and increase its share of clean energy.
History
Historically, the journey of low-carbon electricity generation in Trinidad & Tobago hasn't been very dynamic. From 1991 through 2015, the data indicates close to none change or increase in the generation from low-carbon sources like biofuels and solar energy. This prolonged period of stagnation highlights a persistent reliance on traditional energy sources and an underexploitation of the abundant solar potential in the region. It's crucial that Trinidad & Tobago revisits its energy policies and prioritizes the promotion of solar and possibly nuclear energy to ensure a cleaner, environmentally friendly, and resilient electricity supply.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.