The country of Belize has an emerging renewable energy sector that aims to meet rising electricity demand while simultaneously building resilience and creating jobs. Hydropower and biomass sources are used primarily, with plans underway to expand them cost-effectively.
Mitigation grants small states credibility in global discussions, draws in external financing sources, generates domestic revenues through carbon pricing mechanisms, and enhances energy security. Belize’s NDC contains several mitigation commitments but more detailed baselines and policy actions may be necessary to implement them effectively.
Unlocking Belize’s Renewable Energy Potential
Belize’s renewable energy sector is being propelled forward by the rising cost of imported fossil fuels, creating an ideal environment for investment in renewable generation such as solar, wind and biomass. Belize boasts abundant natural resources and supportive policies and regulations which foster investment opportunities in renewables.
The country currently boasts an 185 MW renewable energy capacity and generated 53% of its electricity from renewable sources, such as hydropower and biofuels, in 2018. To increase this share in its energy mix and provide incentives for private investments. The government has set ambitious targets to achieve.
Belize’s energy strategy seeks to achieve energy independence, lower electricity costs and decrease carbon footprint. Authorities are actively engaged in several renewable power projects in pursuit of these objectives; however, due to limited capacity and financial resources this plan may face obstacles during implementation.
Solar energy in Belize is one of the most promising sources of energy, meeting much of its peak demand while decreasing dependence on foreign fuel imports. Rooftop solar has an expected payback period of 5-7 years which should facilitate uptake.
To reach its target of producing 85% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030, the government has set itself the ambitious goal of increasing renewable energy generation capacity. To reach this target it is imperative that existing facilities improve in efficiency while investing in new infrastructure.
Hydropower is an integral component of Belize’s renewable energy mix and has steadily increased its share of electricity generation; however, this alone cannot meet all of Belize’s energy demands.
Belize’s government is currently exploring geothermal energy potential. Neighboring countries such as Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala all possess significant geothermal reserves that could provide Belize with an inexpensive alternative to imported fossil fuels. Agreements should be reached with these nations to secure renewable energy supplies for sustainable energy goals while guaranteeing future sustainability for citizens of Belize.
Belize’s Clean Energy Revolution
Belize, a small nation known for its commitment to environmental preservation and sustainable development, is moving toward a greener energy future by working toward being a net exporter of renewable electricity by 2025. To reach this goal, hydropower generation, solar panels, wind power and geothermal will all play a part in power production.
Belize is home to an active tourism sector and numerous agricultural and manufacturing activities, in addition to rich natural resources including limestone used for road construction as well as dolomite (source of magnesium), bauxite (source of aluminum), and cassiterite (a source of tin).
Belize boasts ample energy resources; however, it remains highly reliant on imported fuel and electricity for energy needs. Since 1980, energy demand in Belize has quadrupled while net imports of energy products increased 47 percent during that same time frame.
To address these increasing energy needs, the government of Belize is undertaking sustainable energy projects and policies, such as encouraging biomass energy, expanding renewable electricity use in electricity generation, and introducing electric vehicle deployment programs.
The country’s largely flat terrain makes it an excellent candidate for geothermal power generation, and preliminary studies have identified an untapped hot aquifer that may provide an inexpensive source of clean energy. But to realize its full potential will require substantial investments.
Politically, Belize is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy that remains loyal to the British Monarchy as head of state, represented by a Governor-General. The bicameral National Assembly comprises both the House of Representatives and Senate, where 31 House members are popularly elected for five-year terms in order to introduce legislation and oversee government activity; 12 senators are appointed by the governor-general.
The Belize government has joined forces with Nova Scotia Community College and private sector companies to establish an ecosystem for modern technical and vocational education and training in green economy skills. The project will give Belizeans access to new training opportunities while creating a replicable model in other Caribbean nations. In addition, this program will strengthen Belize’s capacity to implement and deliver its National Sustainable Energy Strategy Action Plan.
Sustainable Power in Belize: A Closer Look
Belize is a net importer of energy (both fossil fuels and electricity), leaving it susceptible to climate change impacts such as sea level rise, hurricanes, coastal erosion, and coral bleaching. These impacts are expected to worsen with global temperatures increasing and weather patterns becoming more unpredictable; as a result, sustainability and climate adaptation priorities were prioritized early on by the national policy agenda long before its Nationally Determined Contribution submission was due under the Paris Agreement in 2015.
One key goal of the national Sustainable Development Strategy is to bolster local capacity to combat climate threats through sustainable energy initiatives, including energy-efficient buildings, encouraging renewable technology adoption, and strengthening energy efficiency measures. Furthermore, this plan seeks to increase local biomass and solar production while decreasing dependency on imported fossil fuels.
BEL is Belize’s main power distributor, transmitter, and generator; however, the company has found itself struggling to secure sufficient generation sources due to falling coal and natural gas prices and an increasing international demand for renewables. However, they remain committed to encouraging renewable ventures.
Belize’s energy-intensive industries mainly include manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture – the latter contributing significantly to national income. Belize possesses rich natural resources including an abundant forestry base that supplies wood for energy-intensive processes; hydro (river) potential; and consistent sunshine hours – which all play key roles.
Biomass plays an essential role in Belize’s energy supply, with fuelwood and bagasse (a by-product of sugarcane) serving as sources for power generation, while hydropower potential is being developed across the nation. Unfortunately, companies seeking entry to this sector have complained of unnecessary delays and insufficient regulatory clarity when seeking entry.
Renewable Horizons: Belize’s Green Energy Prospect
Belize is seeking to strengthen its renewable energy sector in order to enhance energy sustainability and security, investing in biomass, small-scale solar, electric vehicles, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and waste-to-energy projects. As Belize remains a net importer of electricity it must diversify its sources in order to provide essential services like lighting. Private sector involvement is crucial but U.S. firms trying to invest have reported difficulties working with governments on developing projects due to unavoidable delays, weak and conflicting regulations or dealing with state-owned entities.
Belize has an outstanding track record in mitigating climate change mitigation strategies, in keeping with global efforts toward more sustainable living. Belize is among the growing chorus of countries committed to cutting their carbon emissions; their mission includes diversifying renewable energy sources as well as adopting climate-smart policies.
The government has passed legislation to support these efforts, such as a feed-in tariff system that offers investors fixed prices for electricity produced from renewable sources such as solar or wind. These incentives will offer greater financial security and reduced project risks to investors while simultaneously decreasing electricity costs while decreasing carbon emissions across the board.
Belize boasts abundant natural resources that can be harnessed for producing renewable energy, including significant biomass potential, high forest productivity, consistent sunshine hours, and significant hydro (river) capacity. Harnessing these resources for renewable energy production would significantly decrease Belize’s reliance on imported fossil fuels while creating employment and developing expertise in green technology – all while meeting climate change goals and becoming an example to its neighbors.
