The electricity consumption in Trinidad & Tobago is overwhelmingly reliant on fossil fuels, making up almost the entirety of its electricity generation, with a staggering 99.93% coming from these sources in 2024. This leaves close to none for low-carbon or clean energy sources. Such heavy dependence on fossil-based electricity contributes significantly to climate change and air pollution, which are pressing global and local environmental and health concerns. The stark absence of substantial low-carbon electricity options like solar and nuclear energy points to untapped potential in diversifying the energy portfolio towards more sustainable options to create a low-carbon future.

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 trend of electricity consumption per person in Trinidad & Tobago is worrying as it reflects a stagnation—if not a decline—in energy use. In 2024, electricity usage dropped to 6,477 kWh per person, down from the peak of 7,207 kWh per person in 2015. Similarly, the low-carbon electricity output has seen a concerning decrease. From a prior high of 35 kWh per person achieved back in 1971, today's generation has plummeted to merely 5 kWh per person. This decline in usage and the reduction in low-carbon electricity generation are disappointing, indicating a need for proactive measures to reverse these trends and foster a growing, cleaner electricity sector to meet future demands and environmental goals.

Suggestions

To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Trinidad & Tobago could look to the success strategies of various regions worldwide. France, Slovakia, and other countries have effectively harnessed nuclear power, achieving a substantial share of their electricity from this source, with France generating 70% from nuclear. Meanwhile, states like Nevada have embraced solar, generating more than a third of their electricity from the sun. Trinidad & Tobago could emulate these successes and invest in both solar and nuclear energy technologies. Prioritizing these sources would not only diversify their energy mix but also address dependency on fossil fuels. By investing in infrastructure and policy frameworks to support solar and nuclear power, Trinidad & Tobago can set an example for clean electricity transition amongst similar small island states.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in Trinidad & Tobago paints a faltering picture, particularly due to restrained advances in biofuels, which saw no increase from 1991 until the present. Solar energy began to appear in 2001 but also exhibited stagnation through 2024. The lack of significant growth and diversification in low-carbon energy sources over the decades is a missed opportunity for innovation in the domestic electricity landscape. With global examples demonstrating the efficacy and potential of clean energy, Trinidad & Tobago is at a strategic juncture to harness its solar potential and, with the appropriate national commitment, develop nuclear facilities to secure a sustainable energy future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade