Belize's Energy Mix

Belize's energy market is growing rapidly, and the country is increasingly looking to capitalise on its abundant natural resources to meet rising demand for electricity. The country's energy is based on four main sources: imported fossil fuels, biomass, hydro, and imported electricity. In 2021, renewable energy accounted for around 31.4% of total consumption in Belize, with the country aiming to generate 85% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2027. Belize's leading energy subsectors are looking to expand biomass and small-scale solar, as well as create new opportunities in electric vehicles, large-scale solar, liquefied natural gas, and waste-to-energy.

Belize's energy sources

Belize has been investing in domestically produced energy over the last two decades to stabilise its energy sector. The country has been developing sustainable energy project policies, including expanding biomass power and solar-based distributed power systems. It has also been investing in hydropower, solar, and liquified petroleum gas (LPG), driven by a focus on energy security.

Belize has abundant natural resources, and its government has recognised the potential of renewable energy sources. Hydropower is one of the most promising, with the country's mountainous terrain and rivers providing ideal conditions for hydroelectric power plants. Currently, hydropower accounts for approximately 50% of Belize's electricity generation, with the government aiming to increase renewable energy production to 85% by 2027.

Solar power is another area of focus, with Belize receiving an average of 5.5 hours of sunlight per day. In 2018, the country's first utility-scale solar power plant was installed, a 250-kilowatt facility in the capital, Belmopan. This has paved the way for future solar energy developments. Additionally, the government has installed solar microgrids and solar-powered streetlights in rural communities not yet connected to the national grid.

Biomass is also a significant energy source for Belize, with the country's agricultural and forestry sectors producing waste that can be converted into energy. For example, bagasse, a byproduct of sugar cane processing, is used as fuel for cogeneration power plants. The Belize Sugar Industries Limited (BSI) operates a 31.5-megawatt cogeneration plant that provides electricity to both the sugar mill and the national grid.

Belize is also exploring wind energy, with its coastal areas experiencing consistent trade winds suitable for wind power generation. While no large-scale wind farms have been developed yet, the potential remains an area of interest.

Imported fossil fuels

Belize relies on four main sources of energy: imported fossil fuels, biomass, hydro, and imported electricity. Notably, Belize imports 100% of its fossil fuel use, with Mexico and Venezuela being the primary sources of imported petroleum products. This heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels has made energy expensive and unpredictable in Belize.

In 1988, Belize signed the San Jose Pact, which obligated Mexico and Venezuela to offer a concessionary credit from 20-25% of the purchase price of their oil exports to Belize. In 1991, both countries increased their oil supply under this agreement. However, fuel prices surged to a record high in 2008, exceeding $10 per gallon. As a result, Belize has been actively exploring alternative energy sources and has set ambitious goals for renewable energy use.

The country has invested in domestically produced energy over the last 20 years to strengthen and stabilise its energy sector. These investments in hydropower, biomass, solar, and liquified petroleum gas (LPG) are driven by an increased emphasis on energy security. Belize's leading energy subsectors are expanding biomass and small-scale solar, as well as exploring opportunities in electric vehicles, large-scale solar, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and waste-to-energy.

Belize's solar energy usage is currently limited to off-grid use, primarily in remote areas by residential consumers, hotels, and resorts. The government intends to encourage investment in utility solar-energy facilities but has not yet announced a request for proposals. On a smaller scale, the government has also installed solar microgrids and solar-powered streetlights in rural communities not yet connected to the national grid.

Sustainable energy projects

Belize's energy sector is largely based on four sources: imported fossil fuels, biomass, hydro, and imported electricity. The country has been working towards sustainable energy goals, with a focus on developing and implementing renewable energy sources. Here are some key sustainable energy projects and initiatives in Belize:

National Energy Plan

The Public Utilities Commission of Belize implemented a one-year project in 2003 called "Formulation for a National Energy Plan for Belize." Funded by the United Nations Development Fund, this project aimed to develop a comprehensive National Energy Policy to promote environmentally sound, safe, reliable, and affordable energy. This plan was updated in 2011 with the "Framework for the National Energy Policy," which led to the establishment of the Ministry of Energy, Science & Technology, and Public Utilities.

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Belize has actively participated in global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The country is a signatory to the San Jose Pact and the Kyoto Protocol. Additionally, Belize is committed to the United Nations' program REDD (Reduction of Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation). The country is working with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Forest Department of Belize to coordinate forest management and reduce deforestation.

Renewable Energy Sources

Belize has been exploring and investing in various renewable energy sources to reduce its reliance on imported electricity and fossil fuels. Here are some key projects:

• Hydropower: Belize has focused on hydropower due to its mountainous terrain and numerous rivers. Currently, hydropower accounts for approximately 50% of the country's electricity generation, and the government has set a target of generating 85% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2027, with hydroelectric plants playing a significant role.
• Solar Power: Belize has an average of 5.5 hours of sunlight per day, making it ideal for solar energy generation. In 2018, Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) installed the country's first utility-scale solar power plant, a 250-kilowatt facility in the capital city of Belmopan. The government encourages investment in utility solar-energy facilities and has installed solar micro-grids and solar-powered streetlights in rural communities.
• Biomass: Belize's agricultural and forestry sectors produce significant waste that can be converted into energy. For example, bagasse, a byproduct of sugarcane processing, is used as fuel for cogeneration power plants. The Belize Sugar Industries Limited (BSI) operates a 31.5-megawatt cogeneration plant that provides electricity to both the sugar mill and the national grid.
• Wind Energy: Belize's coastal areas experience consistent trade winds, making them suitable for wind energy generation. A wind resource assessment study conducted in 2013 identified potential sites for wind farms, and while no large-scale wind farms have been developed yet, wind energy remains an area of interest.
• Electric Vehicles: The government of Belize launched a pilot project introducing electric vehicles in 2022 and plans to replace its old diesel school bus fleet with electric buses. The Ministry of Public Utilities installed the first of twelve National Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in the city of San Pedro in 2022.

Sargassum Seaweed to Electricity

The Government of Belize (GOB) is pursuing an initiative to convert sargassum seaweed into electricity, aiming to promote similar projects in the future.

Hydropower

The Belize Electric Company Limited (BECOL) operates three hydroelectric power plants in the country: the Chalillo Dam, the Mollejon Dam, and the Vaca Dam. Together, these facilities have a total generating capacity of 51.2 megawatts. The Chalillo Dam, located in the Mountain Pine Ridge area in the Cayo District, is one of the key hydroelectric power plants in Belize.

The utilisation of hydropower in Belize has significantly contributed to meeting the energy requirements of its population. It has effectively reduced the country's reliance on imported electrical power and the use of fossil fuels for power generation. As a result, Belizeans have gained access to electricity at a more stable rate.

The Government of Belize has shown a keen interest in enhancing the country's energy sustainability and becoming a net exporter of energy to neighbouring countries. Investments in hydropower, along with biomass, solar, and liquified petroleum gas (LPG), are driven by an increased emphasis on energy security. Additionally, the government has taken initiatives to explore alternative environmentally friendly options for power generation in the future.

Solar power

Belize's energy sources are primarily imported fossil fuels, biomass, hydro, and imported electricity. However, the country is committed to sustainable energy practices and has invested in domestically produced energy over the last two decades. The government has expressed interest in solar-based distributed power systems, and companies like Pro Solar Engineering and Solar Energy Solutions Belize offer solar energy solutions to businesses and residents.

Belize's solar energy usage is currently limited to off-grid use, primarily by residential consumers, hotels, and resorts located in remote areas. The government intends to encourage investment in utility solar-energy facilities but has not yet requested proposals. On a smaller scale, the government has installed solar microgrids and solar-powered streetlights in rural communities not yet connected to the national grid.

The Millennium Challenge Corporation, a US development agency, is working on a project to boost electrical productivity and upgrade operational efficiency. This project includes solar energy solutions, and the agency has over 12 years of experience in the industry.

Businesses and individuals in Belize have praised the cost savings and environmental benefits of solar energy. For example, the Managing Director of Universal Hardware, a user of grid-tie solar power, has reported a significant decrease in utility expenses, resulting in more flexibility in cash flow. Additionally, the Marketing Director of Westrac Ltd, another grid-tie solar user, has highlighted the environmental benefits of solar power, stating that it reduces their carbon footprint.

Belize's commitment to solar energy is evident, and the country is taking steps to incorporate it into its energy strategy, with support from the government and private sector companies.

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