The government says Belize will significantly expand domestic electricity generation as it seeks to reduce its dependence on imported power and strengthen the country’s energy supply.
During his 2026 State of the Nation Address, Prime Minister John Briceño said a recently declared energy emergency will allow Belize Electricity Limited (BEL), with local investment partners, to fast-track the development of solar farms and battery storage systems.
“Together with battery storage systems, we expect approximately thirty megawatts of new solar generation, supported by five hour duration battery storage to be installed by June of 2027,” Briceño said. The longer-term goal is to develop 120 megawatts of solar generation and 40 megawatts of battery storage across the country.
Almendarez says Belize does not plan to move away from Mexico, which remains an important source of electricity for the country.
Belize is also studying whether a future connection to Guatemala’s power grid would be practical, reliable and affordable.
Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Public Utilities, Dr. Leroy Almendarez, says that the pre-feasibility study does not mean Belize is preparing to purchase electricity from Guatemala.
“We didn’t just connect with Mexico. There had to be a feasibility study to see, okay, yes, there’ll be reliable power, that that transmission line will be reliable,” Almendarez said, adding that Belize also has to consider the cost of electricity and factors beyond Belize’s control.
In the longer term, officials say Belize wants to generate enough electricity domestically to meet demand and potentially export surplus power through the Central American regional electricity network, SIEPAC.
