In Curaçao, the state of electricity consumption in 2018 indicates a substantial reliance on fossil fuels, with a bit more than two-thirds (close to 71%) of the electricity coming from oil-based sources. The presence of low-carbon energy sources is noteworthy, however, with such sources contributing to almost a third (around 29%) of the island’s electricity supply. Wind power plays a significant role here, accounting for approximately 27% of the total electricity, while solar power contributes a smaller—but meaningful—portion of about 2%. This distribution highlights an encouraging commitment to clean energy, though there's still a predominant reliance on fossil fuels that needs longer-term addressing for cleaner and sustainable energy progress.
Data sources used on this page include IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Curaçao?
The state of electricity growth in Curaçao shows a concerning decline when comparing recent trends with previous years. The total electricity consumption per person in 2018 dropped significantly to 4,770 kWh, compared to the historic high in 2010, which was 8,436 kWh per person, marking a decrease of over 3,600 kWh per person. On a positive note, low-carbon electricity generation has seen growth; in 2018, per person generation of clean energy reached 1,394 kWh, which is 278 kWh more than the low-carbon record set in 2017. This increase is promising, reflecting progress in adopting cleaner energy sources, yet the decline in overall consumption may point to structural or economic challenges that need to be addressed to ensure a robust energy system.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Curaçao can focus on expanding its already substantial wind power capabilities. Given the island's capacity to harness wind energy, this is a logical step to improve sustainability. The island can look to successful regions as examples for further development. Denmark stands out with a remarkable 60% of electricity generated from wind, showcasing the potential impact of investing strategically in this area. Additionally, while Curaçao does not currently utilize nuclear energy, exploring its potential by learning from countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear power contributes to over 65% of electricity generation, may help diversify and stabilize its clean energy portfolio. Furthermore, expanding solar energy, as seen in countries like North Macedonia and Lebanon with solar contributions around 30%, could further enhance Curaçao's clean energy ambitions.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Curaçao shows slow yet eventual growth in both wind and solar energy sectors. The journey began towards the end of the 20th century, with wind power being recorded in 2001, and sporadic developments were noticed thereafter in 2008 and 2013. An encouraging uptick was seen in 2013 when both wind and solar energy registered slight advancements. The subsequent years demonstrated stable, albeit modest, growth, highlighting an increasing commitment to sustainable energy. Most notably, in 2018, wind energy showed a positive increment, signaling a steady, if cautious, progression in adopting low-carbon electricity sources. This historical trajectory suggests the potential for more dynamic development should policy and investment be directed favorably toward expanding these clean energy sectors.
