The Government of Belize, collaborating with the World Bank and the Government of Canada, has set up a new energy project to enhance its power supply in the country along with electricity reliability. The proposed $58.4 million would optimize energy cost for consumers along with improving renewable energy sources.

Improving energy security

Belize faces critical energy security risks because it relies on imported electricity for about 50% of its supply. The importation varies due to volatile oil and gas prices, which make the consumers exposed to unstable electricity prices. The infrastructure in Belize is highly susceptible to severe weather, like Hurricane Lisa, that knocked out the nation’s power in 2022. Over the past decade, Belize’s peak demand increased by 48%, yet without new capacity the country faced blackout events.

Modernizing Energy Infrastructure with Battery Storage

The Belize Energy Resilience and Sustainability Project helps address energy challenges by installing modern battery storage systems at four critical locations. It will help to modernize the energy infrastructure in Belize, increase the country’s independence from imported energy, and enhance the reliability of power supply. The project will install four 10-megawatt battery systems at key districts and improve grid management and reduce disruptions in power.

Lilia Burunciuc, World Bank Director for the Caribbean, said, “This project represents a crucial milestone for Belize’s energy independence and sustainability. By investing in advanced storage solutions and renewable energy integration, we are ensuring a more reliable and affordable power supply for communities while paving the way for a greener future.”

The national grid will integrate renewable energy sources. The battery system will store renewable energy to help Belize reach 75% of its total energy from renewables by 2030, as outlined in the 2023 energy policy. This will make energy more affordable and sustainable for the people of Belize, especially low-income household families who spend 30% on electricity.

Also read: Chile Secures $5.1 Million from World Bank to Combat Deforestation and Boost Climate Resilience

Empowerment of Local Communities and Women in Energy

The project will also adopt the state-of-the-art power management systems, technically train energy operators, and institute programs to enhance female participation in the energy sector. These activities will give the communities powers and encourage growth in an all-inclusive way since the project’s benefits will be shared equally.

The Belize Energy Project is funded by a $50 million loan from the World Bank and $8.2 million from Canada.

Sasol, Anglo American, and De Beers announced a Joint Development Agreement, which aims to pilot feedstock production for renewable diesel. It aims to create a sustainable chain of renewable fuel value in South Africa. The deal was sealed during the Investing in African Mining Indaba held in Cape Town.

The agreement’s goal is to assess the feasibility of using Solaris and Moringa plantations to produce vegetable oil. Sasol aims to utilize the available infrastructure for more efficient and economical production of renewable diesel as compared to greenfield projects.

A Leap Towards Sustainable Fuel Production

Dr. Sarushen Pillay, Executive Vice President of Sasol’s Business Building, Strategy, and Technology division, said, “Renewable diesel is transformative. It meets the technical standards of conventional diesel while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Our customers can therefore, use it as a “drop-in” fuel in their existing equipment and machinery to meet their greenhouse gas reduction commitments.

He added, “Partnering with Anglo American, we’re investigating the development of a local and cost-effective supply chain for sustainable feedstock, utilising vegetable oil to produce renewable diesel in our facilities. As we innovate for a better world, Sasol’s ambition is clear — to help our customers navigate the energy transition while delivering high-quality, sustainable solutions for a low-carbon future.” 

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Anglo American Vows for Sustainability

Alison Atkinson, Projects and Development Director at Anglo American, stated that the initiative is crucial for strengthening their commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. She explained that it contributes to their sustainability journey and supports their goal of maintaining a healthy environment through carbon-neutral operations.

She also mentioned that they had worked closely with De Beers on the partnership, citing De Beers’ pre-feasibility studies on renewable diesel production trials within their mining operations and host communities. Atkinson noted that De Beers would provide over 20 hectares of land for growing the trial feedstock in Blouberg, Messina, Marble Hall in Limpopo, and the Voorspoed mine closure site in the Free State.

De Beers will provide over 20 hectares of land across Blouberg, Messina, Marble Hall, and the Voorspoed site. Although renewable diesel production is still in the early stages in South Africa, the country’s renewable fuels market shows promise.