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.

What challenges does Haiti face in generating and distributing electricity?

Haiti faces significant challenges in generating and distributing electricity reliably\. The lack of access to affordable and reliable power significantly hinders investment and business development. The majority of electricity is produced using imported fossil fuels.

What are the energy resources in Haiti?

Haiti has limited energy resources: no petroleum or gas resources, small hydroelectricity potential and rapidly declining supplies of wood fuels. With very limited access to electricity, most of the population in Haiti depends on charcoal as a source of energy.

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.

Can Haiti use agricultural waste for biomass energy?

Haiti has much agricultural waste that can be used for biomass energy. However, it has setbacks such as finding a way to economically collect the waste and also the effects of taking away these materials from their natural ecosystems. Currently, Haiti produces about 1 MW of electricity from bagasse.

How does a lack of capacity affect the electricity sector in Haiti?

Since the MTPTC is the main government body in charge of the electricity sector, this lack of capacity affects directly the performance of the sector. In 2017, the World Bank invested a total of $35 million to Haiti in order to improve access and expansion of renewable energy.