Does Haiti need a new electricity grid?

Haiti’s electricity grid systems will require significant upgrades to accommodate rising energy demand, regardless of whether these needs are met with fossil fuels or renewable resources. Although work is being done to improve grid systems, this has focused mainly on the Port-au-Prince service area, with mixed results.

Should Haiti invest in oil-based electricity generation?

Given Haiti’s great renewable energy potential, new investments in oil-based electricity generation are not advisable from an economic perspective. The comparatively small upfront construction costs of these plants are deceiving of the high lifespan costs.

Could Haiti benefit from interconnection with neighboring electricity grids?

Haiti could benefit from the interconnection with neighboring electricity grids. Haiti currently has nine isolated grids, covering major cities such as Port-au-Prince, Saint-Marc, Jacmel, Les Cayes, and Cap-Haïtien.

Are battery systems a viable option for energy storage in Haiti?

These systems store surplus renewable energy generated during periods where production exceeds demand, and dispatch this energy at times of low renewable generation. Because battery systems are currently the most mature and widely implemented energy storage technology, they are the most likely option to be implemented in Haiti in the near term.

Who produces electricity in Haiti?

Although EDH has its own generation park and technically holds a monopoly over the country’s electricity system, most power is currently produced by independent power producers (IPPs), including Sogener, E-Power, and Haytrac. IPPs have been operating in Haiti’s electricity sector since 1996.

How much electricity does Haiti use?

Despite being the 88th most populous country, Haiti ranks 184th in total electricity consumption.27 Per capita electricity consumption was only 21 kWh in 2011, eighty times lower than the regional average.28 Haiti’s net electricity production was only 875 GWh in 2011.29