Electricity in St. Vincent & Grenadines in 2023
In 2023, the electricity consumption in St. Vincent & Grenadines is primarily dominated by fossil energy, which accounts for almost 87% of the total share. In contrast, low-carbon energy sources are used far less and make up little over 13% of the total electricity generation. Notably, hydropower constitutes the entire low-carbon segment, accounting for more than one-tenth of the energy mix. This reliance on fossil fuels is concerning due to their adverse effects, such as air pollution and contributions to climate change.
Is Electricity Growing in St. Vincent & Grenadines?
The current state of electricity generation in St. Vincent & Grenadines indicates that consumption has witnessed a decline compared to previous records. The average electricity consumption per person in 2023 stands at 1481 kWh, which is a slight decrease of 24 kWh from the peak figures achieved in 2016. The same downward trend is seen in low-carbon electricity generation, dropping to 197 kWh per person from 276 kWh since 2012, which marks a concerning reduction of 79 kWh. These declines suggest a stagnation in electricity growth, particularly clean electricity, which is crucial for sustainable development and environmental preservation.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, St. Vincent & Grenadines can draw inspiration from regions that have successfully leveraged various clean energy sources. Incorporating more solar power, as seen in Lebanon where solar contributes to 31% of its electricity, could significantly boost clean energy shares. Similarly, adopting nuclear energy could be advantageous, as demonstrated by France and Slovakia, which generate 69% and 64% of their electricity from nuclear power, respectively. These regions exemplify the potential for increased generation of sustainable and low-carbon electricity, paving the way for a greener energy future in St. Vincent & Grenadines.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in St. Vincent & Grenadines shows a static trend, particularly in terms of hydropower generation. From as far back as 2001 through to 2020, there has been no recorded change in hydropower generation, maintaining a constant level. While this stability ensures a reliable source of energy, it highlights a significant missed opportunity to expand low-carbon options over nearly two decades. Efforts to diversify and intensify the generation of low-carbon electricity sources are therefore crucial for the future, ensuring that the region can meet sustainable electricity demands efficiently and effectively.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.