Electricity in Trinidad & Tobago in 2023
In Trinidad & Tobago, the vast majority of electricity, more than 99%, is generated from fossil fuels, specifically gas, which accounts for nearly the entire fossil fuel share. This leaves close to none of the electricity being generated from clean, low-carbon sources such as solar, nuclear, or wind energy. The country's reliance on fossil fuels signifies a significant challenge in terms of tackling climate change and air pollution, as these sources contribute to the release of greenhouse gases and other pollutants, which in turn affect environmental and public health.
Is Electricity Growing in Trinidad & Tobago?
The growth of electricity consumption in Trinidad & Tobago has faced a downturn in recent years. The most recent data from 2023 indicates that the total electricity consumption per person is roughly 6,321 kWh, which is a decrease of about 642 kWh from the previous record high in 2014. Even more concerning is the decline in the use of low-carbon electricity; with the latest figures showing a mere 7 kWh per person, dropping from a high of 35 kWh per person back in 1971. These trends highlight a pressing need for investment and policy direction towards increasing electricity supply, especially from clean sources, to meet future demands as well as environmental commitments.
Suggestions
To enhance the share of low-carbon electricity generation, Trinidad & Tobago could benefit from examining successful strategies from other regions around the world. Countries like France and Slovakia have achieved over half of their electricity from nuclear energy. Similarly, states like Iowa and South Dakota excel in generating large portions of their electricity from wind energy. For a Caribbean nation like Trinidad & Tobago, embracing solar energy, as seen in Lebanon and Chile, could also prove beneficial with the high solar potential in the region. Implementing policies that encourage investments in solar and nuclear technologies could set a course towards a sustainable and resilient energy future for Trinidad & Tobago.
History
Looking back at the history of low-carbon electricity in Trinidad & Tobago, it's evident there has been stagnation, particularly with biofuels and solar energy, which have seen zero growth over various years such as 1991, 2000, and more through to 2015. Despite this extensive period of inactivity, there's an opportunity now to capitalize on technological advancements in nuclear and solar energy to establish a robust, low-carbon electricity sector. The absence of advancements in previous decades should serve as both a lesson and a motivation to accelerate the adoption of green energy solutions to transition from dependency on fossil fuels and mitigate the environmental impacts associated with them.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.