Electricity in Trinidad & Tobago in 2024
In Trinidad & Tobago, the current state of electricity consumption is overwhelmingly reliant on fossil fuels, with fossil energy accounting for nearly all of the electricity generated, specifically 99.93%. This leaves low-carbon electricity sources, such as solar, nuclear, and other green technologies, contributing almost none to the country's electricity mix. The country's heavy dependence on fossil fuels is concerning, particularly in the context of the global shift towards more sustainable energy solutions. Considering the impact of fossil fuels on climate change and air pollution, the negligible proportion of electricity from low-carbon sources highlights a significant area for improvement in Trinidad & Tobago's energy landscape.
Data sources used on this page include Ember, Energy Institute, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Trinidad & Tobago?
The trend in electricity consumption in Trinidad & Tobago shows a worrisome decline. The latest per-person electricity consumption is about 6,477 kWh, a decrease from the previous high of 7,207 kWh in 2015, reflecting a drop of around 731 kWh per person. Additionally, the state of low-carbon electricity generation has also dwindled, with current figures at just 5 kWh per person, compared to the 35 kWh per person recorded in 1971. The reduction by approximately 30 kWh in low-carbon electricity generation per person is troubling at a time when expanding clean energy is crucial to meet growing electricity demands and transition towards sustainability. This downward trend suggests a need for strategic interventions to reignite growth and embrace cleaner electricity sources.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Trinidad & Tobago can look to successful regions for inspiration. Countries like France, where nuclear energy constitutes 67% of electricity generation, and Denmark, where wind power contributes 60%, demonstrate the potential of diverse clean energy sources. Trinidad & Tobago could focus on developing its solar potential, akin to North Macedonia where solar accounts for almost half of the electricity mix, or enhance its use of nuclear energy as seen in regions like Slovakia. Drawing lessons from these diverse examples can guide Trinidad & Tobago in establishing a more sustainable and green energy future, reducing dependency on fossil fuels and combating climate change through increased low-carbon electricity generation.
History
Historically, Trinidad & Tobago's journey with low-carbon electricity has been stagnant, as detailed in the data records. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, the generation of electricity from biofuels and solar sources showed no activity, maintaining a consistent zero contribution annually. This lack of progress continued until as recently as 2024, where there remains no recorded change in solar electricity generation. This historical stagnation in low-carbon energy expansion is concerning, especially given the global move towards more sustainable energy sources. However, this also presents a clear opportunity for the nation to reshape its energy strategy, capitalizing on the rapid technological advancements in green energy sectors like solar and nuclear to establish a more sustainable and resilient energy framework in future decades.
