Electricity in Bahamas in 2022
In 2022, electricity consumption in the Bahamas was predominantly reliant on fossil fuels, comprising over 99% of the electricity supply. This overwhelming dependence on fossil energy presents significant challenges in terms of sustainability and environmental impact, with fossil fuels being a major contributor to climate change and air pollution. On the other hand, clean electricity sources, such as solar and nuclear, accounted for a negligible portion of the electricity consumption, indicating a significant opportunity for growth in cleaner, more sustainable forms of energy. Increasing the share of low-carbon energy sources can help the Bahamas transition towards a more sustainable energy future, reducing its carbon footprint and promoting environmental welfare.
Data sources used on this page include EIA and Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Bahamas?
When analyzing the trends in electricity consumption, the Bahamas has seen a decline in per capita consumption from its peak in 2007, with the latest figures at about 5157 kWh per person compared to the former record of 6369 kWh per person in 2007. This reduction of approximately 19% marks a concerning trend in terms of electricity growth, which is crucial for supporting economic development and improving living standards. Although there has been an encouraging increase in low-carbon electricity generation from 25 kWh/person in 2020 to 50 kWh/person in 2022, this growth is still insufficient against the backdrop of declining overall electricity consumption. Increasing the share of clean electricity is essential to counterbalance the decline and align with global efforts toward sustainable development.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, the Bahamas can look towards successful regions that have embraced solar and wind energy, as well as nuclear power. For instance, Nevada generates a significant 33% of its electricity from solar, while Denmark and Iowa achieve 59% and 60% from wind, respectively. These examples highlight the potential for the Bahamas to harness its abundant sunlight for solar power, akin to solar strategies employed in regions with similar climates. Additionally, considering the successes of countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy accounts for over 60% of electricity, the Bahamas could explore introducing nuclear power to ensure a stable and clean energy supply. By integrating solar and wind technologies, alongside scalable nuclear solutions, the Bahamas can enhance its energy security while reducing its carbon footprint.
History
Given the history of low-carbon electricity in the Bahamas, the past few years have seen no growth in solar energy, with zero TWh changes recorded between 2020 and 2022. This stagnation signals a critical area for development, particularly as global trends move towards increasing reliance on clean energy. Unfortunately, the absence of progress within this period highlights missed opportunities to diversify the energy portfolio and strengthen sustainable energy infrastructure. Committing to ambitious plans for solar and nuclear electricity can guide the Bahamas in transforming its electrical landscape, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future for the coming decades. Transitioning towards clean, sustainable energy is a pivotal step for the Bahamas to achieve energy independence and environmental resilience.
