As of 2023, the electricity consumption in the U.S. Virgin Islands heavily relies on fossil fuels, which account for more than 97% of the electricity generation. This overwhelming dependence on fossil energy is of concern because of its environmental impact, including contributing to climate change and air pollution. On the other hand, clean energy sources only make up a small fraction of the total energy mix, with solar power representing nearly 3% of electricity generation. This low percentage underscores the urgent need to shift towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy options.

Data sources used on this page include Ember. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in U.S. Virgin Islands?

The latest electricity consumption data from the U.S. Virgin Islands shows a declining trend in overall per capita usage, with the current rate at 7,821 kWh/person, down from the 2004 record of 9,740 kWh/person. This significant reduction of around 1,919 kWh signifies a concerning drop in electricity usage, potentially impacting economic growth and quality of life. Despite this decline, there has been a modest increase in low-carbon electricity generation. In 2023, low-carbon electricity reached 233 kWh/person, showing a slight improvement of 2 kWh from the previous year, 2022. This small uptick is a positive sign, though it indicates that more aggressive efforts are needed to increase clean energy adoption.

Suggestions

To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, the U.S. Virgin Islands can draw insights from regions that have successfully integrated solar and nuclear power into their energy mixes. For instance, Nevada shows that solar energy can contribute a significant portion, at about 33%, to its electricity generation. Conversely, countries like France and Slovakia have effectively harnessed nuclear power, with about 70% and 66% of their electricity coming from this clean source, respectively. By investing in similar solar and nuclear infrastructure, the U.S. Virgin Islands could significantly reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, cut down greenhouse gas emissions, and build a more sustainable energy future.

History

Historically, the U.S. Virgin Islands have shown no change in the development of solar electricity from 2014 to 2023, maintaining a consistent output without any increases in generation capacity. This lack of progress over nearly a decade highlights a missed opportunity in expanding clean energy. It's crucial that future strategies focus on accelerating solar power investments and considering the introduction of nuclear power to create a diverse and robust low-carbon electricity system. This strategic shift is necessary not only to address environmental challenges but also to meet the growing demands of a modern, electrified economy.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade