In 2022, Haiti's electricity consumption stood at 88 kWh per person, which translates to only a small fraction of the global average of 3649 kWh per person. More than half of this electricity is derived from fossil fuels, with low-carbon sources like hydroelectricity making up a significantly smaller portion of the energy mix. This stark contrast underscores Haiti's struggles in achieving a cleaner, more sustainable electricity infrastructure. The low level of electricity generation severely limits access to modern amenities and technologies, impacting both economic growth and overall quality of life for its citizens. This is a concerning situation, as increasing clean energy can offer vast improvements in reducing air pollution and addressing climate change.
Data sources used on this page include Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Haiti?
Examining the trend, electricity consumption in Haiti has not shown significant growth over recent years. In fact, its latest per-person consumption figures for 2022 indicate a drop from the historic high reached in 2012, from 109 kWh per person to the current 88 kWh per person. Even more unsettling is the decline in low-carbon electricity generation, which peaked in 1990 at 69 kWh per person but has since dwindled to just 17 kWh per person by 2022. This reduction marks a worrying shift away from cleaner energy, calling for urgent interventions to halt and reverse this trend to improve the nation's energy outlook.
Suggestions
To revitalize Haiti's low-carbon electricity generation, lessons can be drawn from successful regions that have effectively diversified their energy portfolios. Countries like China and India demonstrate large-scale deployment of solar energy while nations like the United States and France show leadership in nuclear energy generation. Given Haiti's geographical advantages with ample sunlight, solar power represents a significant opportunity. Meanwhile, with the right investment and policy frameworks, adopting nuclear energy could also provide reliable and substantial electricity output. By embracing both technologies, Haiti can enhance its clean energy production and achieve energy security, promoting economic development and environmental sustainability.
History
In reviewing the historical trajectory of low-carbon electricity in Haiti, hydroelectricity has been the cornerstone of its clean energy production. During the 1970s and into the early 1980s, gains in hydroelectric output were modest. However, the late 1980s saw some positive developments with incremental increases in hydroelectric generation. Unfortunately, this was followed by periods of stagnation or slight declines in the subsequent decades, reflecting a lack of sustained investment and development. This pattern presents a clear opportunity for Haiti to focus on strategic improvements and advancements, significantly ramping up investment in green technology such as hydroelectric, solar, and nuclear power. Without prompt and decisive action, Haiti risks continuing down a path of energy poverty that inhibits its broader development goals.
