Electricity in St. Pierre & Miquelon in 2022
In 2022, St. Pierre & Miquelon's electricity consumption was entirely reliant on fossil fuels, with close to none coming from low-carbon sources. This reliance is concerning, given the urgent global need to transition towards clean energy to combat climate change and reduce air pollution. Fossil fuels, when burned, release harmful emissions that contribute significantly to global warming and degrade air quality. Thus, this 100% dependency on fossil fuels highlights a pressing challenge for St. Pierre & Miquelon as the region looks towards a sustainable future.
Is Electricity Growing in St. Pierre & Miquelon?
Electricity consumption in St. Pierre & Miquelon is experiencing minimal growth, with the per capita usage increasing from 8685 kWh in 2021 to 8735 kWh in 2022, a modest climb of just 50 kWh per person. However, the amount of low-carbon electricity generation has remained stagnant, with no recorded increase from earlier decades, maintaining a figure of nearly zero kWh per person. This lack of growth in sustainable energy use is disheartening, especially as the world moves towards greener energy sources to accommodate the rising demand driven by electrification and the advancements in technology such as AI.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, St. Pierre & Miquelon can draw inspiration from regions successfully utilizing nuclear and solar power. France, a leader in nuclear electricity generation, derives approximately 69% of its electricity from nuclear energy, illustrating a model worth emulating for St. Pierre & Miquelon. Additionally, solar energy has shown immense potential, with countries like Lebanon generating over 30% of their electricity sustainably through solar means. By investing in nuclear and solar infrastructures, which are proven clean energy sources, St. Pierre & Miquelon can significantly reduce its fossil fuel dependency and embrace a cleaner energy future.
History
Historically, low-carbon electricity generation in St. Pierre & Miquelon has seen little to no change, with records indicating no significant developments over the decades. This stagnation highlights a critical need for strategic initiatives aimed at adopting and expanding green energy technologies. As other regions progress toward more sustainable and environmentally friendly electricity sources, the lack of evolution in St. Pierre & Miquelon’s energy landscape serves as a call to action for transformative change. Building capabilities in nuclear and solar energy generation can position the region as a forward-thinking and environmentally responsible community.