Renewable Energy

Global discussions revolving around “Climate Change” have garnered incremental emphasis in recent years. The impacts stemming from Climate Change have also become ever apparent – from an increase in the occurrence and intensity of hurricanes to a rise in the sea level, including various other intensified natural disasters alike. In the ongoing global quest to mitigate climate change, Belize remains an active supporter joining the chorus of sustainable developments. In line with the aim for long-term prosperity, Belize is also striving vigorously on the path to energy independence, with dedicated emphasis on reducing carbon footprints where possible – the answer to this… the movement toward a realm powered by renewable energy!

                                            Figure 1: Belize’s Energy Sources Breakdown – 2020 (source: 2020 Belize Energy Report)

 With a history of development in the green economy, Belize has been powered by primarily renewable sources, namely Hydro Energy and Biomass Energy. The Government, having endorsed the National Energy Policy Framework, is poised to continue the push for renewable ventures, for the ultimate benefit of achieving 89% energy efficiency and thus reducing its dependence on imported fossil-derivative energy. The country is very much committed to fostering interests in the fields of Biomass, Hydro, Solar and Wind.

Abundance in natural resources: Trees

    • Richness in forestry and Agro-Processed residual goods, notable hydro (river) potential
    • Consistent sunshine hours

Availability of high-yield arable land:  Farmlands

    • Over 1,998,230 acres (38%) of the total land area are considered agriculturally suitable to nurture biomass feedstock

An abundant pool of skilled and vibrant workforce.

    • As of Mid-2022 the total population for Belize is 441,471 with a young, vibrant, and quality labour force of 191,728 and an unemployment rate of 5%. (Source: SIB)

Investment Opportunities

    • As a nation with abundant land resources, there is considerable potential to nurture a variety of renewable ventures, such as the development of biomass energy through the burning of sugar cane by-product — the bagasse. Belize is favourably positioned to investors in the renewable energy sector.

Biomass Power refers to converting plants or plant derivatives, such as the by-products, to produce heat or for processing into various forms of biofuels. The current BELCOGEN co-generation plant sugar cane bagasse to generate electricity estimated at 10 MW to power its milling facility. The surplus of power is then supplied to the country’s national grid for consumption. Santander Sugar co-generation power plant also processes bagasse to generate electricity, estimated at 16MW to the national grid. Given the abundance in the land resource, there exists ample potential to further develop the Biomass potential utilizing other plant derivatives, such as bamboos, and rice husks. There also exists potential in producing ethanol to complement the volatile fossil fuels, as well as producing biodiesel using proven plants, such as Jatropha Curcas. In summary, there is endless potential to reap renewable energy from Biomass.

Solar Power refers to the capturing and conversion of sunlight to generate electricity. According to the Central America Solar Map, about 65% of Belize’s land area receives 5.0 to 5.5 Kilowatt hours (KWh) per square meter of sunshine per day (source: Belize National Energy Policy Framework 2011). To put this in context, using a 60-watt light bulb for one hour would consume 0.06 kilowatt hours of energy. By the same token, 5.0 KWh would allow for at least 83 hours of energy for this light bulb.

Hydro Power refers to using water to generate electricity. In 1990, a comprehensive study of Belize’s hydro-electric power potential was commissioned by Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) and conducted by a Canadian consulting firm. At that time, the consultant found that Belize had approximately 70 MW of developable hydro potential, capable of yielding 330,000 MWh of annual energy. (Source: Belize National Energy Policy Framework 2011) As of 2020, thirty-eight-point two (38.2) percent of the country’s overall electricity consumption was powered by Hydro sources.

In an era where fossil fuel sources continue to hit record-high prices, Belize is well-positioned to harness renewable, and greener energy sources that are sustainable for the longer-term.

Back to top