In 2023, a little over half of Belize’s electricity consumption—about 55%—was supplied by low-carbon sources. Hydropower accounted for almost a third of total consumption, biofuels for about a fifth, and solar for just over 1%. Fossil electricity supplied around 7%, while net imports covered roughly 38%. Because the data do not identify the sources of imported electricity, that portion cannot be classified as either clean or fossil-based.

Is Electricity Growing in Belize?

Belize’s electricity consumption per person remained well below its historical peak in 2023. It reached about 1,780 kWh per person, compared with roughly 2,330 kWh in 2019—a decline of 557 kWh, or about 24%. Low-carbon electricity generation also fell short of its 2019 record, reaching about 970 kWh per person versus roughly 1,170 kWh, a decrease of 193 kWh, or around 17%. These figures show a disappointing retreat from earlier records, although they do not establish the latest year-to-year trend. Restoring growth in clean electricity would help Belize meet future demand from electrification and expanding digital services, including AI.

Suggestions

Belize can increase low-carbon electricity generation by making solar expansion a priority alongside its existing hydropower. Nearby El Salvador, where solar supplies 17% of electricity generation, offers a particularly relevant example; Chile’s 24% solar share and the US state of Hawaii’s 23% also demonstrate the contribution solar can make. For wind, Belize could learn from regional examples such as Costa Rica and Nicaragua, which generate about 13% and 10% of their electricity from wind respectively. Belize should also consider nuclear electricity through long-term planning and regional cooperation, drawing lessons from places such as France, where nuclear supplies about two-thirds of electricity generation. Together with stronger grids, these clean electricity options could support consumption growth and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, helping address climate change and air pollution.

History

Belize’s recorded low-carbon electricity history shows growth followed by a lengthy period of limited change. Hydropower generation increased by 0.1 TWh in both 2000 and 2006, with no recorded change in 2003 or 2008. The early 2010s brought further gains: hydro and biofuels each increased by 0.1 TWh in 2010, and biofuels added another 0.1 TWh in 2012. In 2013, hydro rose by 0.1 TWh while biofuels fell by the same amount. The listed observations through much of the remaining 2010s and into 2020 show no change, an underwhelming period given the need for more clean electricity. Hydropower then declined by 0.1 TWh in 2021 before recovering that amount in 2022.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade