Electricity in Trinidad & Tobago in 2023
Trinidad & Tobago currently relies almost entirely on fossil fuels for its electricity generation, with more than 99% coming from these energy sources. The primary contributor is natural gas, which accounts for nearly all of this fossil-fuel-based electricity. In contrast, low-carbon energy sources like solar and nuclear contribute close to none of the country's electricity output, highlighting a significant area for development if Trinidad & Tobago is to transition towards more sustainable energy solutions.
Is Electricity Growing in Trinidad & Tobago?
In recent years, electricity consumption in Trinidad & Tobago has seen a decline. The current per capita electricity usage stands at 6,321 kWh, reflecting a drop from the 2014 peak of 6,963 kWh per person. This reduction is coupled with a decrease in low-carbon electricity generation, which has also fallen to just 7 kWh per person from its previous peak of 35 kWh in 1971. These trends are concerning as they indicate a move away from both overall electricity consumption and sustainable energy production. The shift away from clean energy in particular is troubling given global efforts to mitigate climate change.
Suggestions
To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Trinidad & Tobago can learn from regions that have successfully integrated sustainable energy sources. For instance, adopting strategies seen in Lebanon, where solar energy contributes 31% to the electricity mix, or Denmark, which generates 57% of its electricity from wind, could be transformative. Additionally, investing in nuclear energy, as exemplified by France where nuclear accounts for nearly 70% of electricity, could offer a robust and reliable low-carbon solution. By prioritizing the development of solar and nuclear infrastructure, Trinidad & Tobago could make significant strides toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
History
Historically, Trinidad & Tobago has shown limited advancement in low-carbon electricity generation, with no significant contributions from biofuels and solar energy recorded across various years. From 1991 through to 2015, both biofuels and solar remained stagnant, with no increase in electricity generation. This lack of progress in incorporating clean energy highlights an urgent need for a strategic shift to embrace and leverage these technologies, particularly nuclear and solar, which are both vital for addressing environmental challenges and future demands. Prioritizing the integration of solar and nuclear options offers a clear path toward sustainable development and improved energy security.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.