In 2024, Trinidad & Tobago's electricity consumption was overwhelmingly reliant on fossil sources, comprising close to 100% of the total electricity produced. This extremely high dependency on fossil fuels indicates a significant challenge for the nation's environmental goals and a considerable hurdle in the global efforts to combat climate change through reduced carbon emissions. The nation's use of low-carbon electricity sources is close to none, highlighting the urgent need for Trinidad & Tobago to diversify its electricity generation by investing more heavily in clean and sustainable energy options.

Data sources used on this page include Ember, Energy Institute, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Trinidad & Tobago?

The recent electricity consumption data for Trinidad & Tobago indicates a decrease in per capita electricity usage compared to the peak in 2015, with the latest figures showing about 6,477 kWh per person, which is a reduction of 731 kWh from the previous record. Similarly, the generation of low-carbon electricity has also seen a significant decline from its previous record in 1971, with the current production being merely 5 kWh per person. This trend is disappointing, as it reflects a stagnation in low-carbon electricity development, hindering potential progress in achieving energy sustainability and addressing environmental concerns.

Suggestions

To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Trinidad & Tobago could take inspiration from successful regions that have significantly embraced solar and nuclear energy. For instance, France generates more than 60% of its electricity from nuclear power, and regions like Nevada and California have been successful in incorporating a significant share of solar energy into their grids, at 33% and 29%, respectively. By investing in and adopting policies that support the installation of solar panels and developing nuclear facilities, Trinidad & Tobago can substantially reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, thereby decreasing environmental pollution and enhancing energy security.

History

Historically, low-carbon electricity generation in Trinidad & Tobago has experienced minimal development, as evidenced by consistent non-growth in sectors like biofuels since the early 1990s and sporadic attempts in solar energy with no significant increases reported through 2024. This longstanding stagnation indicates a crucial need for strategic planning and investment in the deployment of clean energy resources. Moving forward, capitalizing on technological advancements and learning from global leaders in solar and nuclear power could establish a more sustainable and diversified electricity sector for Trinidad & Tobago, establishing a resilient infrastructure better prepared for a sustainable energy future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade