In Belize, as of 2023, the state of electricity consumption presents a promising inclination towards low-carbon energy sources. More than half of Belize's electricity generation, precisely around 55%, comes from low-carbon, clean energy sources. Hydropower makes up almost a third of the electricity generated, while biofuels contribute over a fifth, showcasing a significant reliance on clean energy. Meanwhile, the role of fossil energy has been minimized to less than 7%, and solar power, while still modest, contributes about 1%. This shift towards low-carbon energy sources is commendable, although there remains ample room for growth, especially in solar power, which has the potential for expansion given Belize's climatic conditions.
Is Electricity Growing in Belize?
Despite the existing clean energy framework, the overall electricity consumption in Belize has witnessed a decline. In 2023, electricity usage plummeted to 1776 kWh per person compared to the 2019 peak of 2333 kWh per person, indicating a decrease of 557 kWh per person. Similar trends are evident in low-carbon electricity generation, which recorded 973 kWh per person, down from its 2019 record of 1166 kWh per person. This decline of 193 kWh is concerning, as it indicates a backslide in the low-carbon transition trajectory, which could impact Belize's aspirations towards sustainable development and electrification.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Belize can take valuable lessons from regions excelling in this endeavor. The uptake of nuclear energy, as seen in France and Slovakia, reflects a high percentage of reliable and sustainable electricity generation. Integrating nuclear energy could substantially elevate Belize's clean energy portfolio. Concurrently, the remarkable solar contributions seen in countries like Yemen, Cyprus, and Chile indicate valuable paths for Belize to harness its abundant solar potential. Developing both nuclear and solar infrastructure would be beneficial, fortifying Belize's energy security while curbing reliance on fossil fuels, leading to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly electricity generation landscape.
History
Looking back at the history of low-carbon electricity development in Belize, hydropower has been a consistent contributor, with gradual increments observed in 2000, 2006, 2010, and 2012. Biofuels, introduced in 2010, briefly increased but faced a slight decline in 2013. Recently, in 2021, there was a temporary setback in hydropower production, followed by a recovery in 2022. The historical emphasis on hydropower and biofuels has laid a foundational framework for low-carbon energy, yet further diversification, including solar and potentially nuclear energy, could support a robust, sustainable electricity evolution for Belize.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.