In St. Vincent & Grenadines, fossil fuels dominate electricity generation, comprising nearly 87% of the country's electricity mix. The remaining electricity comes from low-carbon sources, with the entire 13% deriving from hydropower. While this reliance on hydropower reflects some effort towards sustainable electricity generation, the overwhelming dependence on fossil fuels presents both environmental and economic concerns. Fossil fuels are notorious for contributing to climate change and air pollution, issues that are becoming more urgent to address globally. It is crucial for St. Vincent & Grenadines to explore diversifying its low-carbon portfolio to minimize its dependency on fossil energy further.

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

Is Electricity Growing in St. Vincent & Grenadines?

Electricity consumption in St. Vincent & Grenadines has seen a slight decline when compared to its peak years. The 2023 consumption is noted at 1481 kWh per person, slightly lower than the previous high of 1505 kWh per person in 2016. This decrease casts a worrying light on growth, as electrification globally is an essential driver of economic development and living standards. Furthermore, the country has also experienced a decline in low-carbon electricity generation, with current figures at 197 kWh per person, down from 276 kWh per person back in 2012. This decrease emphasizes the need for a renewed focus on expanding low-carbon technologies to meet any prospective increases in electricity demand.

Suggestions

St. Vincent & Grenadines can draw valuable lessons from regions that have successfully integrated low-carbon technologies, particularly solar and nuclear, into their electricity mix. Countries like Denmark and Iowa have excelled in harnessing wind energy, with more than half of their electricity coming from this clean source. Meanwhile, countries like France and states like New Hampshire have demonstrated the effectiveness of nuclear energy, generating over half of their electricity needs. Given the abundance of sunlight in the Caribbean, solar energy holds significant potential for St. Vincent & Grenadines, providing a sustainable and clean energy solution. Additionally, considering nuclear energy as a stable and low-carbon option is worth exploring to ensure energy security and reduce the carbon footprint further.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity sources in St. Vincent & Grenadines, particularly hydropower, has been relatively stagnant. For more than two decades, there have been no notable changes or expansions in hydropower generation capacity, highlighting a missed opportunity for growth in clean electricity infrastructure. While hydropower remains a critical component of the electricity supply, the absence of development in this sector stands out. It is imperative that the country acts proactively to expand its clean energy portfolio by exploring additional low-carbon technologies, such as solar and nuclear, to sustainably meet future electricity needs and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade