Aruba's electricity consumption in 2022 heavily relies on fossil fuels, with over 80% of its electricity being generated from these sources. This contrasts with low-carbon energy, which comprises about 17% of the electricity mix. Wind energy is the most significant contributor among the low-carbon sources, supplying about 14%, followed by solar energy, which provides just 3%. This reliance on fossil fuels indicates a substantial environmental footprint that could be reduced by increasing the proportion of low-carbon electricity to combat pollution and promote sustainability. The current state highlights the potential for expansion in clean energy sources to mitigate climate change impacts.
Data sources used on this page include Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Aruba?
In examining whether electricity usage is growing in Aruba, it's evident there has been a decline. The latest available data shows electricity consumption at 9281 kWh per person, which represents a decrease from the 2007 high of 9736 kWh per person, marking a reduction of 454 kWh per person. Similarly, there has been a decrease in low-carbon electricity generation, from a previous peak of 1728 kWh per person in 2015 to 1578 kWh per person recently, signifying a drop of 150 kWh per person. These figures concern growth aspirations in both overall and clean electricity sectors, indicating economic or policy stagnation that needs to be addressed.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Aruba should expand its wind energy sector, which already contributes a significant portion of clean electricity. The success of other regions in employing wind and solar energy provides a roadmap for further development. For instance, Denmark and Iowa have achieved more than 55% of their electricity supply from wind energy, showcasing the potential that Aruba could aim for. While nuclear is not currently a component of Aruba’s energy strategy, the success seen in countries like France, where nuclear power accounts for 70% of electricity, could inspire consideration of diverse clean energy solutions, emphasizing the benefits of incorporating both solar and nuclear technologies into Aruba's energy mix.
History
From a historical perspective, the development of low-carbon electricity in Aruba has seen limited expansion. The journey began in 2009 with wind energy, which saw a minor increase in 2010 but stagnated afterwards. Solar energy entered the scene in 2014, witnessing repetitive years with no growth in generation. This lack of progressive enhancement in low-carbon electricity signals a missed opportunity for Aruba to align with global trends focused on clean, sustainable energy growth. Going forward, it's pivotal for Aruba to reignite its efforts, learning from global leaders in green energy deployment to ensure a resilient and environmentally friendly electricity infrastructure.
