In 2023, Belize achieved a balanced mix of electricity generation sources characterized by a significant contribution from low-carbon energy. More than half of the country's electricity comes from such clean sources, with hydropower contributing almost a third. Biofuels make up about a fifth of the total electricity generation, while solar energy, although present, accounts for close to none of the electricity production at just above 1%. Meanwhile, net imports account for more than a third of the country's electricity supply, highlighting Belize's reliance on external sources. Fossil fuels, known for their adverse environmental impacts, contribute less than 7% to the total electricity generation, showcasing Belize's strong orientation towards clean energy but also indicating room for further improvement, particularly in solar and nuclear deployment.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and Enerdata. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Belize?
When examining whether electricity consumption in Belize is growing, the current figures suggest a decline in per capita electricity use. In 2023, the electricity consumption stood at 1776 kWh/person, a significant reduction from the 2019 peak of 2333 kWh/person. This represents a drop of 557 kWh/person, indicating a worrying downward trend in electricity consumption overall. Moreover, the low-carbon electricity generation also diminished from its previous peak in 2019 of 1166 kWh/person to 973 kWh/person in 2023, translating to a drop of 193 kWh/person. These reductions signal that Belize needs to intensify its efforts to grow its electricity generation capacity, especially in the realm of clean electricity sources, to meet future demands and ensure sustainable development.
Suggestions
Belize can draw inspiration from various regions to bolster its low-carbon electricity generation. Countries like France and Slovakia demonstrate the substantial potential of nuclear energy, with more than 66% of their electricity being nuclear-based. Meanwhile, Denmark and Iowa showcase the possibilities of wind energy, with wind accounting for roughly 60% of their electricity generation. Although Belize does not currently have notable participation in nuclear energy, exploring it as part of a diversified energy strategy could significantly enhance its low-carbon profile, alongside further integrating solar power. Notably, states like Nevada and California have diversified their portfolios by including substantial solar power shares, achieving solar electricity generation rates over 30%. Given Belize's advantageous geographic location, it stands to benefit from adopting similar clean energy strategies, thereby reducing reliance on fossil fuels and imports, while addressing climate change challenges.
History
Historically, Belize's low-carbon electricity generation has experienced some variability. During the early 2000s and late 2010s, hydropower saw sporadic growth but also some stagnation, reflecting limited yet positive advancements. Notably, biofuels have contributed intermittently since 2010, adding to the clean energy mix. However, the early 2020s exhibited a slight decrease in hydropower generation before rebounding slightly in 2022. This historical context suggests initial progress but highlights the need for more consistent and robust development in low-carbon energy sources. As the global focus shifts increasingly towards sustainable energy, Belize must capitalize on its potential by expanding its clean electricity infrastructure, focusing particularly on solar and nuclear energy to ensure sustained growth in its electricity sector and decrease reliance on less stable biofuel contributions.
