In French Guiana, the current state of electricity consumption is dominantly low-carbon, with more than two-thirds of the electricity being generated from clean sources. Hydropower is the leading contributor, comprising over 60% of the electricity mix, demonstrating the region's strong reliance on its abundant water resources. While solar and biofuels each contribute just over 5%, indicating potential growth areas, fossil fuels still account for almost 30% of the electricity generation. This significant share of fossil-based electricity points to room for improvement toward cleaner, sustainable energy solutions to mitigate climate impact and reduce air pollution.
Data sources used on this page include Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in French Guiana?
Recent trends in electricity consumption in French Guiana show a concerning pattern of decline. In 2022, the total electricity consumption was approximately 3286 kWh per person, a notable decrease from the 2012 peak of 3662 kWh per person, marking a downward change of roughly 377 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has seen a reduction, with 2022's output at 2347 kWh per person, falling from the 2006 high of 2607 kWh per person, a descent of about 261 kWh per person. This downward trend is disappointing and highlights the urgent need for French Guiana to enhance its electricity generation capacity, especially from clean energy sources, to support the growth and electrification demands of the future.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, French Guiana can look to successful regions for inspiration, particularly in the context of nuclear and solar energy. France, being a dominant player with 70% of its electricity from nuclear energy, sets a prime example of harnessing this clean power source at scale. Additionally, Nevada’s utilization of solar energy, making up 33% of its electricity, or Lebanon’s impressive 31% solar share, can guide French Guiana in expanding its solar capabilities. Investing in these technologies will not only bolster energy security but also propel the region toward a more sustainable and resilient electricity infrastructure.
History
Looking at the historical trends of low-carbon electricity in French Guiana, hydropower has experienced various changes over the years with fluctuating contributions. In the early 2000s, hydropower saw minimal shifts, either unchanged or with slight increases and decreases. Notably, in 2009, hydropower experienced a downturn of 0.2 TWh. From 2010 onward, the changes continued to be minimal. Solar energy made a stable entry in 2011, though its contribution has not yet significantly expanded. Biofuels also entered the scene in 2021 but have had a minimal impact thus far. Overall, while there have been stable periods, the historical data highlights a need for diversification and expansion in the types and scale of low-carbon electricity generation. French Guiana should thus prioritize large-scale, clean energy developments to ensure a sustainable energy future.
