In 2023, Guatemala's electricity consumption saw a notable tilt towards low-carbon sources, making up about three-quarters of the total supply. Hydropower alone accounted for approximately 41%, which is more than half of the low-carbon energy share. Biofuels comprised nearly a quarter of the total electricity. Other low-carbon sources like wind, geothermal, and solar, though contributors, had relatively smaller shares, each around 2% or less. On the other end of the spectrum, fossil fuels, primarily coal, made up about a quarter of the total electricity consumption, indicating a significant reliance on non-clean energy sources. The role of net imports was minimal in the overall electricity mix.
Data sources used on this page include Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Guatemala?
Despite the promising share of low-carbon electricity, Guatemala's total electricity consumption has unfortunately decreased. In 2023, the average consumption was 769 kWh per person, a drop from the 881 kWh per person recorded in 2021. This decline of 112 kWh per person reflects a worrying stagnation for the country's progress towards sustainable and widespread electricity access. Similarly, low-carbon electricity consumption per person also fell by 93 kWh from its previous high in 2021. This downturn hinders Guatemala's capability to address increasing energy demands and its pursuit of a cleaner energy future, which is critical in combating the harmful effects of fossil fuels on climate change and public health.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Guatemala can learn from various international examples. Expanding solar energy is a promising route, as seen with California, where solar accounts for over 30% of the state's electricity. This, alongside inspiration from countries like France, where nuclear energy makes up nearly two-thirds of the electricity mix, suggests a blended approach of solar and nuclear could significantly elevate Guatemala's clean energy profile. With its suitable geographic conditions, Guatemala could follow solar advancements in solar-friendly regions like Lebanon and Nevada and consider establishing nuclear facilities similar to those in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Emphasizing these green energy sources can contribute to a resilient and sustainable electricity future, crucial for meeting the growing demands of modern development and environmental stewardship.
History
In the past, Guatemala has experienced variable growth in low-carbon electricity. From the mid-1980s through the early 2000s, hydropower saw incremental increases, with notably significant boosts in specific years like 2010 and 2017. After 2010, biofuels also began contributing modestly to the low-carbon mix. However, this progress has not been without setbacks, as occasional declines, particularly in hydroelectric generation, have been recorded, such as in 2015 and the significant drop in 2023. In recent years, including positive spurts in biofuel growth in 2021, the focus has been on recovering and expanding the country's low-carbon capabilities. To truly capitalize on these historical lessons, a deliberate move towards diversifying energy with solar and nuclear initiatives is essential for a stable, clean energy trajectory.
