In 2023, electricity consumption in Belize showcases a strong reliance on low-carbon energy sources, with over half of the country's electricity coming from such sources. Among these, hydropower stands as the dominant contributor, accounting for nearly a third of the total electricity supply, while biofuels add up to approximately a fifth. Additionally, solar energy contributes a small yet vital share of close to just over 1%. Moreover, Belize imports a significant portion of its electricity, making up nearly 40% of the total demand. In contrast, fossil fuels account for less than 7% of Belize’s electricity consumption, indicating a commendable shift towards cleaner energy sources.
Is Electricity Growing in Belize?
Despite the promising predominance of low-carbon electricity in Belize, recent trends in electricity consumption present a mixed picture. As of 2023, electricity consumption per person has decreased to 1,776 kWh, marking a significant drop of 557 kWh from the previous high in 2019. Similarly, the low-carbon electricity generation per capita has seen a reduction, declining by 193 kWh from its peak in 2019. This decline is concerning as it indicates a stagnation in harnessing Belize’s clean energy potential in the face of its growing need for sustainable and reliable electricity. Addressing this gap is crucial to ensure Belize can meet its future electricity demands while continuing to reduce dependency on imported electricity and fossil fuels.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Belize can look towards successful regions for inspiration. Countries like Lebanon and Greece, which have achieved notable shares of solar energy, demonstrate that solar power could significantly augment Belize's energy mix, given its sunny climate. Additionally, nuclear energy's potential for reliable and substantial electricity generation is exemplified by countries such as France and Slovakia, which derive a substantial portion of their electricity from this source. Although Belize does not currently have nuclear energy, exploring partnerships or global energy agreements could facilitate its introduction as a stable, green energy source. By prioritizing such strategies, Belize can enhance its sustainable energy generation, contributing to both domestic energy security and global climate goals.
History
The historical development of low-carbon electricity in Belize reveals a steady yet modest growth in both hydro and biofuel energy over the decades. In the early 2000s, hydro and biofuels made consistent, albeit small, contributions to the country’s energy landscape, with hydro occasionally seeing increments of around 0.1 TWh every few years. The 2010s echoed a similar pattern with occasional increases primarily in hydroelectric output and minor fluctuations in biofuel generation. Notably, there were no substantial expansions in clean energy infrastructure noteworthy of a significant year-over-year increase, nor were there precipitous declines, allowing for continued integration of low-carbon resources. This historical context highlights the need for more proactive expansion efforts to scale up Belize's low-carbon electricity output, especially focusing on solar and potentially nuclear energy deployment.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.