Belize and electricity generation
Belize, a small Central American nation bordered by Mexico and Guatemala, is making significant strides in electricity generation, particularly through renewable sources. The country's energy sector has evolved since the establishment of the Belize Electricity Board in 1950, transitioning from diesel-based power to a diversified portfolio that includes biomass, hydroelectricity, and solar energy. As of 2022, Belize produced roughly 217,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity, with 51.3% derived from biomass and waste, 26.4% from hydroelectricity, and only 18.7% from fossil fuels. Approximately 50% of its energy is imported from Mexico, highlighting the interconnectedness of regional energy systems.
The electricity landscape in Belize underwent privatization in 1992, leading to the formation of Belize Electricity Limited, currently serving over 100,000 consumers. The government aims to achieve 85% renewable energy generation by 2027, and recent initiatives include introducing electric vehicles and establishing charging stations. Despite its commitment to renewables, Belize faces challenges, including environmental concerns surrounding oil drilling and the reliance on imported energy. The nation’s energy development reflects a growing recognition of the need for sustainable practices to protect its unique ecosystems while meeting the demands of its population.
Subject Terms
Belize and electricity generation
Official Name: Belize.
Summary: Belize is a small Central American nation between Mexico and Guatemala that is taking strides to produce energy from renewable energy sources. It had begun relying more on power generated from biomass and waste, as well as hydroelectrcity while importing about 50 percent of its energy from Mexico.
The history and development of energy resources in Belize have been relatively limited, given the country’s small population (estimated to be 415,789 as of July 2022), which is centered on the country’s two major cities, coastal Belize City and the centrally located capital of Belmopan. The development of the energy sector in Belize arose in 1950, when the Belize Electricity Board (BEB) was created to deliver electricity to residents of Belize City. Electricity primarily generated from diesel was expanded to other parts of the country after 1958. Electricity generation and distribution expanded over the next two decades to meet increasing demand.
Until 1992, BEB was owned solely by the Belize federal government and had only 27,000 customers. In 1992, BEB was privatized and took the name Belize Electricity Limited (BEL). BEL was granted exclusive authority to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity by the Minister of Energy and Communications for 15 years in 1993. In 1999, BEL was no longer controlled by the federal government, as its 51 percent majority shares were sold to Fortis Cayman Inc. of Canada, which in 2019 held 33.3 percent while the public sector held 63.8 percent. As of 2019, BEL reportedly served more than 100,000 consumers and supplied the country’s peak demand of 96 megawatts.
Production and Consumption
The World Factbook reported that as of 2022, electricity production in Belize was estimated to be 217,000 kilowatt-hours and its consumption 443.175 million kilowatt-hours. In 2022, Belize's electricity was comprised of 51.3 percent biomass and waste, 26.4 percent hydroelectricity, 18.7 percent fossil fuels, and 3.6 percent solar power. Belize imported about 50 percent of its energy from Mexico. Belize’s national electricity grid is connected to the Mexican electricity grid to facilitate BEL’s purchase of electricity.
Oil Imports and Exports
Despite its relatively small production, Belize relies on its energy sector for government revenue. As of 2022, oil production was 800 barrels per day, and consumption was 5,000 barrels of refined petroleum products per day. The country had estimated oil reserves of 6.7 million barrels of crude oil per day.
Most of Belize’s land and water territory was allocated to companies looking to develop oil drilling on- and offshore. Oil companies looking to develop offshore drilling included the Taiwan government–owned Chinese Petroleum Corporation and Princess Petroleum Limited, owners of Princess Hotel and Casino. These eighteen companies were given eight years to explore for oil and twenty-five years of oil pumping and production. Belize’s United Democratic Party had promised to establish the Belize Petroleum Trust Fund with funds from the burgeoning oil industry to fund social programs to benefit Belizean citizens; however, this fund has yet to be established. Not surprisingly, since the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, there have been growing environmental concerns over offshore drilling as well as concerns over drilling near Belize’s sensitive coral reefs.
Renewables
As of 2022, less than 20 percent of the country's electricity was generated from fossil fuels. Belize has set a target of generating 85 percent of the country's electricity from renewable sources by 2027. As of 2024, it was close to reaching this goal. The country planned to increase its generation of power from hydroelectric plants. Belize launched a pilot program introducing electric vehicles in 2022. The government also planned to purchase a fleet of electric buses to replace its aging school-bus fleet that serves as the country's primary means of public transportation. The Ministry of Public Utilities also installed its first twelve electric charging stations in San Pedro in 2022.
Bibliography
"Belize." The World Factbook, Central Intelligence Agency, 30 July 2024, www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/belize/#energy. Accessed 6 Aug. 2024.
"Belize, Energy." International Trade Administration, 28 Feb. 2024, www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/belize-energy. Accessed 6 Aug. 2024.
"Company Profile." Belize Electricity Limited, www.bel.com.bz/Company‗Information.aspx. Accessed 6 Aug. 2024. Joseph, Jacqueline. "Exploring the Potential of Renewable Energy Sources in Belize's Growing Market." Carilec, 15 June 2023, carilec.org/energy-market-in-belize/. Accessed 6 Aug. 2024.