As of 2018, electricity consumption in Curaçao primarily relies on fossil fuel-based sources, with a significant 71% of electricity coming from oil. Despite this heavy reliance on fossil fuels, Curaçao is gradually embracing low-carbon alternatives, contributing to a more sustainable energy portfolio. Currently, close to 30% of Curaçao's electricity is generated through low-carbon sources. Wind energy is the primary driver of this clean energy shift, constituting approximately 27% of the electricity generated, in stark contrast to solar energy, which accounts for a modest 2%. This transition marks a critical step in reducing carbon emissions and advancing toward a cleaner, more sustainable future for the island.
Is Electricity Growing in Curaçao?
Electricity consumption in Curaçao, however, has seen a notable decline over the recent years. In 2018, the total electricity consumption per person was roughly 4770 kWh, a substantial decrease from the previous peak of 8436 kWh per person in 2010. This decline of more than 40% indicates a troubling trend in energy availability or usage on the island. On a more positive note, low-carbon electricity generation per person saw an increase, rising from 1116 kWh in 2017 to 1394 kWh in 2018. This growth of about 25% is encouraging and highlights the island's efforts to expand its green energy capacity, although the overall decline in electricity consumption remains concerning.
Suggestions
To further increase low-carbon electricity generation, Curaçao can focus on expanding existing wind energy, which is already a proven success in their energy mix. Emulating the success of countries and regions that have significant low-carbon energy production can also provide valuable lessons. For instance, Denmark derives a substantial 57% of its electricity from wind energy, and could serve as an inspirational model for Curaçao. In terms of solar energy, Cyprus and Greece, which generate 22% and 25% of their electricity from solar respectively, offer insights into maximizing solar potential in regions with abundant sunlight similar to Curaçao. Additionally, adopting nuclear energy could diversify the island's energy sources in the future, realizing the stable and scalable clean power that countries like France, which obtains 69% of its electricity from nuclear, have harnessed. Through a combination of expanding wind and solar power, and considering nuclear energy as a long-term goal, Curaçao could continue on its path to cleaner energy.
History
In reviewing the history of low-carbon electricity development in Curaçao, there have been noteworthy advancements over the years. Starting in the early 2000s, wind energy saw its first recorded generation increase by 0.1 TWh in 2001. However, this promising development was followed by a period of stagnation until 2013, when wind energy again showed growth, alongside solar energy which began its journey, albeit without a recorded increment. It wasn't until 2018 that wind energy again demonstrated growth with an additional 0.1 TWh. Such incremental advances indicate a strong commitment to clean energy, even though the pace has been gradual. As Curaçao moves forward, embracing more progressive measures can facilitate more significant growth in low-carbon electricity generation.