The analysis of data for the year 2022 exhibits an overwhelming reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation in Trinidad & Tobago, with a staggering 99.95%. This reveals a virtually non-existent utilization of low-carbon energy options such as nuclear, wind or solar power. This dependence on fossil energy forms a stark contrast with more sustainable energy practices, indicating a pressing need for Trinidad & Tobago to transition towards cleaner, low-carbon energy alternatives.
Increasing low-carbon electricity generation in Trinidad & Tobago can take cues from the impressive advancements made by countries such as France and Denmark. Nuclear energy, being a low-carbon alternative, contributes to a notable 66% of France's electricity, positioning it as a leading model of sustainable energy production. Denmark, on the other hand, has effectively harnessed wind energy to meet 59% of its electricity needs. Similarly, Slovakia, Ukraine, and Switzerland show considerable reliance on nuclear energy, contributing to 61%, 58%, and 50% of their respective electricity generation. Selecting suitable models for investment in low-carbon energy projects such as wind and nuclear power can pave the way for Trinidad & Tobago towards a greener energy future.
However, the history of low-carbon electricity in Trinidad & Tobago does not paint a promising picture. The data spanning more than three decades from 1991 to 2022 show no significant movements towards adopting clean energy alternatives. Biofuel and solar energy maintained a constant generation of 0 TWh over these years, indicating an untouched potential for sustainable energy production. Despite the global shift towards greener energy practices in the 2000s, Trinidad & Tobago maintained its energy status quo, failing to kickstart any significant low-carbon energy initiatives. This glaring lack of progression towards sustainable energy generation conveys an urgent call for change in the country's energy policies.