What kind of energy does Haiti use?

[español] • [português] Haiti relies on a mix of imported oil and domestic biofuels such as wood and sugar cane for its total energy supply. As of 2020, more than 90% of electrical generation in Haiti was derived from fossil fuels and less than 10% from renewables.

Can solar energy be used effectively in Haiti?

Solar energy can be used effectively in Haiti, offering energy self-sufficiency to the most isolated cities in the absence of a power grid. The country’s location in the tropics gives it very strong solar energy potential. It is believed that solar energy will play a fundamental role in access to electricity over the next 10 to 15 years.

Why is electricity so expensive in Haiti?

This leaves the country vulnerable to global oil price fluctuations, which directly impact the cost of electricity. Haiti also faces challenges in terms of lack of grid access, reliability of electricity service, and the prevalence of wood and charcoal fuels for home energy consumption.

How does electricity work in Haiti?

With very limited access to electricity, most of the population in Haiti depends on charcoal as a source of energy. The National Electricity Company (Electricité d’Haïti – EDH) was created in 1971 to operate the newly built Péligre hydroelectric plant and the nation's power system.

Why is distributed solar PV the only energy source in Haiti?

Since only about 13% of the people even have grid access, distributed solar pv is the only energy source that can supply all the people electricity for now. Haiti has limited energy resources: no petroleum or gas resources, small hydroelectricity potential and rapidly declining supplies of wood fuels.

What is the institutional framework of the electricity sector in Haiti?

The institutional framework of the electricity sector in Haiti is weak. The entity in charge of the energy sector is the Ministry of Public Works, Transports and Communications (MTPTC). The minister is also the president of the executive board of the state-owned power company, EdH (Haiti Electricity Company).