Puerto Rico's current electricity consumption relies heavily on fossil energy, with this type of generation contributing close to 94% of the total share. Within this, gas and coal are notable contributors, with gas making up approximately a quarter of the electricity consumed and coal contributing nearly a fifth. In contrast, low-carbon energy sources represent a small part of the mix, accounting for just under 6% of electricity generation. Among the low-carbon sources, solar energy is the most significant, providing over 4% of the electricity, while wind energy lags behind, with a little over 1%. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels contributes to climate change and air pollution, making the transition to a greater share of low-carbon electricity critical for Puerto Rico.

Data sources used on this page include EIA and Ember. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Puerto Rico?

Electricity consumption in Puerto Rico has not returned to its historic peak. The current consumption stands at approximately 5,810 kWh per person, which is a decrease of about 800 kWh compared to the peak in 2006. Despite this reduction in overall electricity use, there has been a modest increase in low-carbon electricity generation, reaching 338 kWh per person. This figure marks a slight improvement over the last record set in 2022. Although this increase is encouraging, the decline in total electricity consumption could indicate missed opportunities for economic and technological advancements, especially in expanding low-carbon infrastructure.

Suggestions

To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Puerto Rico can draw inspiration from regions that successfully utilize solar, wind, and nuclear energy. For instance, states like Nevada, California, and Hawaii have substantial solar energy contributions, with Nevada leading with a third of its electricity from solar. Although nuclear power is not currently present in Puerto Rico, countries like France and Slovakia demonstrate the potential for nuclear energy to make up a significant portion of the electricity mix, with more than two-thirds coming from nuclear energy in these nations. By investing in both solar and considering partnerships or innovations that might introduce safe nuclear technologies, Puerto Rico could significantly boost its clean energy portfolio.

History

Throughout its history, Puerto Rico has experienced varying degrees of success with low-carbon electricity. In the 1980s and 1990s, hydropower saw minor fluctuations, with modest gains in small increments and sporadic declines that canceled each other out. The early 2000s did not see significant changes until 2013, when wind energy began contributing a small but steady increase. This was followed by a more aggressive push for solar energy starting in 2018, with consecutive annual growth through 2022. Wind energy also saw a revival in 2024. This timeline suggests that while incremental progress has been made, particularly in wind and solar power, much more effort is needed to establish a robust, diversified low-carbon electricity sector.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade