In Martinique, the state of electricity consumption in 2022 showed a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, with more than 73% of electricity being generated from these sources. This leaves just over a quarter of electricity production to low-carbon or clean energy sources. Among these low-carbon contributors, biofuels had the largest share, producing almost a fifth of the total electricity. Solar and wind contributed smaller shares to the clean energy mix, with solar accounting for about 6% and wind just under 3%. The reliance on fossil fuels is significant, indicating an urgent need for a shift towards more sustainable energy options to reduce environmental impact.
Data sources used on this page include Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Martinique?
The question of whether electricity consumption is growing in Martinique reveals a worrying trend. The latest data from 2022 shows electricity consumption at 4264 kWh per person, which marks a decline from the previous record of 4311 kWh per person in 2019. This decrease of 46 kWh per person indicates a slight reduction rather than growth in electricity usage. Conversely, the generation of low-carbon electricity has seen a small but noteworthy increase. In 2022, the low-carbon generation reached 1116 kWh per person, rising from the previous record of 1085 kWh per person in 2019, a modest increase of 32 kWh per person. While the growth in low-carbon generation is a positive sign, the overall decline in electricity consumption is concerning in terms of meeting future energy demands.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Martinique can draw valuable lessons from regions that have achieved significant success in this area. Among the global leaders, France stands out with a remarkable 70% of its electricity generated from nuclear energy. Nuclear power is a potent and reliable low-carbon energy source that Martinique could consider adopting or expanding. Additionally, regions like Nevada and California have made significant strides with solar energy, contributing 33% and 29% respectively to their electricity generation. Solar power, given Martinique's geographical advantages, could be a pivotal part of its strategy to increase clean energy production. By learning from these regions, Martinique can aim to transition towards a more sustainable and clean electricity portfolio, reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
History
Looking at the historical trends in Martinique's low-carbon electricity generation, there have been moments of progress interspersed with periods of stagnation. In the late 2000s and early 2010s, there was close to no development in solar or geothermal energy. However, starting from 2018, biofuels began to contribute to the electricity mix, though solar and wind recorded no significant changes during these years. The recurring periods of stagnation, especially the lack of progress in solar and wind energy contributions from 2018 to 2022, must be addressed to capitalize on the full potential of clean energy. To make meaningful strides, Martinique should focus on more proactive measures in diversifying its energy sources and boosting its investment in solar and nuclear power.
