The current state of electricity consumption in the U.S. Virgin Islands is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with more than 95% of electricity generated from these sources. Low-carbon energy sources currently contribute a small fraction, around 3%, to the total electricity mix. All of the low-carbon energy stems from solar power, highlighting the significant dependency on fossil fuels and the pressing need to diversify and expand clean energy sources to decrease the environmental impacts associated with high fossil fuel usage.

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

Is Electricity Growing in U.S. Virgin Islands?

Electricity consumption per person in the U.S. Virgin Islands has seen a decline over the years, with 2023 levels at 7,821 kWh per person, dropping from a previous high in 2004 of 9,740 kWh per person. This represents a decrease of nearly 2,000 kWh per person over this timeframe. However, it's encouraging to note the incremental growth in low-carbon electricity generation, which recorded a slight increase from 231 kWh per person in 2022 to 233 kWh per person in 2023. While this growth is modest, it nonetheless points toward a positive trend in clean energy adoption.

Suggestions

To bolster low-carbon electricity in the U.S. Virgin Islands, learning from regions successfully generating higher proportions of their electricity from clean sources could be key. For instance, Nevada and California achieve about a third of their electricity generation from solar, which the U.S. Virgin Islands can emulate given its tropical climate advantages for solar energy. Moreover, considering solutions from states generating substantial electricity from nuclear power, such as Illinois with 50%, may be beneficial. Expanding both solar and exploring nuclear energy could significantly ramp up the pace at which U.S. Virgin Islands transitions to a cleaner electricity grid.

History

The historical trajectory of low-carbon electricity generation in the U.S. Virgin Islands, specifically solar power, has been stagnant over the past decade without any substantial increase, as recorded from 2014 to 2023. This stagnation in growth is concerning, considering the imperative need to transition to low-carbon electricity sources for environmental and economic sustainability. The past years provide a clear message that greater efforts and investments are essential to jumpstart the growth of clean electricity technologies, ensuring a greener future for the islands.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade