Electricity in Dominica in 2023
In 2023, the electricity consumption landscape in Dominica is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with a notable 87% of its electricity generated from these energy sources. Low-carbon or clean energy sources make up only about 13%, with hydropower being the sole contributor in this category. This dependence on fossil fuels is concerning, as it significantly contributes to climate change and air pollution, creating an urgent need for the nation to diversify its energy portfolio by increasing its share of clean energy.
Is Electricity Growing in Dominica?
Electricity consumption in Dominica is not on the rise; in fact, it has been slightly decreasing. The latest total electricity consumption per capita stands at 2256 kWh, which is lower than the previous record in 2016, showing a decline of 44 kWh per person. Furthermore, low-carbon electricity generation has decreased drastically compared to its all-time high in 2011. Currently, low-carbon generation accounts for 301 kWh per person, marking a significant drop of 279 kWh from its earlier record. This decline indicates a troubling trend for clean energy development in Dominica, underscoring the need for strategic planning and investment in the sector.
Suggestions
To invigorate low-carbon electricity generation in Dominica, the country can draw inspiration from regions that have successfully harnessed various green energy sources. While hydropower is currently the cornerstone of Dominica's clean energy, integrating solar and nuclear can provide a more diversified energy mix. For instance, regions like Nevada and Lebanon have effectively utilized solar energy in their energy mix, producing 27% and 31% respectively, while states like New Hampshire and countries such as France rely heavily on nuclear energy, contributing more than half of their electricity generation. By investing in both solar and nuclear energy infrastructure, Dominica could potentially emulate these successes, significantly boosting its clean electricity share and reducing its dependence on fossil fuels.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Dominica has been remarkably stable, with hydropower accounting for the entire clean energy sector from 2001 to 2020, without any recorded changes. This stagnation highlights a lack of diversification and expansion in Dominica's clean energy infrastructure. It is crucial for the island to now take proactive measures in increasing its low-carbon electricity production to combat the negative impacts of fossil fuel dependency and to ensure a sustainable and efficient energy future. Encouraging policy shifts, technological investments, and international collaborations could prove essential in transforming Dominica's energy landscape for the better.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.