Electricity in Barbados in 2023
In 2023, Barbados primarily relies on fossil fuels for its electricity consumption, with over 90% of electricity coming from these sources. This highlights a significant dependency on fossil-fuel-based energy, with close to none of the electricity being generated from other conventional sources. Meanwhile, all of Barbados's low-carbon electricity comes from solar power, accounting for a little over 8% of the total electricity consumption. The remaining energy consumption derives from gas, though its share is considerably small, registering at under 3%. This composition underscores a substantial gap between fossil fuel consumption and the adoption of cleaner energy technologies.
Is Electricity Growing in Barbados?
Despite recent efforts to boost the share of clean energy, the overall electricity consumption per person in Barbados has slightly decreased from its peak in 2012. As of 2023, electricity usage is 3,897 kWh per person, indicating a modest decline compared to the 4,081 kWh per person recorded in 2012—a reduction of close to 200 kWh. On a positive note, there has been an encouraging increase in low-carbon electricity generation, with current clean energy production at 319 kWh per person, up from the previous record of 284 kWh in 2021. This growth, albeit gradual, suggests a forward momentum towards adopting more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy solutions.
Suggestions
Barbados can enhance its low-carbon electricity generation by integrating successful strategies from regions that have effectively harnessed clean energy sources, such as solar and nuclear power. Learning from countries like Lebanon and Cyprus with their substantial solar shares, Barbados could expand its solar infrastructure to increase production. Furthermore, exploring options for nuclear energy, as demonstrated by countries like France and Slovakia, which benefit from nuclear energy constituting more than half of their electricity generation, could provide a stable and robust clean energy backbone. Combining increased solar with potential nuclear projects would offer Barbados a diversified, sustainable path to energy security while significantly reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.
History
Over recent years, Barbados's journey towards low-carbon electricity has been somewhat stagnant, primarily relying on solar energy. Since 2014, the island has recorded no significant year-on-year change in solar electricity generation. This static situation over nearly a decade highlights the need for decisive action and investment in scaling up solar capacity and potentially introducing nuclear energy. Embracing advancements in both sectors could catalyze a substantial transformation in Barbados's energy landscape, promoting not only energy independence but also a cleaner, healthier environment for its residents.