USTDA Advances Utility-Scale Renewable Energy in Belize

September 30, 2016

(USTDA) ARLINGTON, VA – The U.S. Trade and Development Agency awarded a grant to Belize Electricity Limited to support their efforts to expand utility-scale renewable energy generation. The feasibility study will evaluate seven prospective wind and solar power sites throughout Belize. It will assess the resources at the two most promising sites using a meteorological tower, wind sensors and a solar monitoring station, and will subsequently develop the design, specifications and implementation plans for the two renewable energy plants.

“USTDA is pleased to partner with Belize Electricity Limited to explore options to generate electricity from clean, renewable wind and solar resources,” said USTDA Director Leocadia I. Zak. “Doing so will not only enhance Belize’s energy security, it will also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

Chief Executive Officer of Belize Electricity Limited, Jeffrey Locke, highlighted that, “Currently, approximately 57% of the power sold by BEL is from clean, renewable energy sources (hydro and biomass). We are thankful for the partnership with USTDA, as it will help us to further expand our clean and renewable energy portfolio.”

Belize Electricity Limited has chosen DNV KEMA Renewables, Inc., a renewable energy consulting firm based in Seattle, Washington, to carry out the feasibility study.

This project supports the goals of the Clean Energy Finance Facility for the Caribbean and Central America (CEFF-CCA), an interagency effort to mobilize greater public and private sector investment in clean energy infrastructure across the region.

Welcome to the Exporting Source

Your one-stop resource for finding help to export to new customers, to learn about government export programs, to join export-promoting trade missions, to sign up for trade conferences and training, and to link to other exporting services. Whether you're an old hand at exporting or just getting started, the Exporting Source provides a place to locate foreign customers, export financing and foreign investment assistance.