October 13, 2023.
The Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy, Logistics and E-Governance (MPUELE) with financial support via the United Arab Emirates-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund (UAE-CREF), inaugurated a solar photovoltaic hybrid system in Indian Creek Village, Toledo District, on October 12.
The system will supply reliable electricity to homes, schools, clinics, and water pumping facilities within the villages of Indian Creek, Golden Stream, and Medina Bank. It comprises 400 kilowatts of solar panels and 600 kilowatt hours of battery storage. Its primary source of power will be solar energy, supplemented by a backup diesel generator to ensure continuous operation during the wet season. By utilizing this setup, the plant is projected to save Belize nearly 200,000 litres of diesel fuel and prevent approximately 500 tons of CO2 emissions annually.
The project represents a pioneering initiative in the southern region of the country and forms an integral part of a comprehensive program being implemented by the ministry. Presently, there are approximately 27 villages across the country that lack access to electricity. Consequently, the ministry is actively engaging with multiple stakeholders to ensure the provision of electricity to all these communities by 2030.
Among those present at the inauguration were Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño; Hon. Michel Chebat, Minister of Public Utilities, Energy, Logistics & E-Governance; Hon. Oscar Requena, Area Representative for Toledo West; and H.E. Ahmed Almenhali, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Belize.
The ministry expresses its gratitude to the United Arab Emirates for their valuable contribution to the energy transition in Belize. The ministry also thanks the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Belize Electricity Limited, and the villages of Indian Creek, Golden Stream, and Medina Bank for their collaborative efforts in promoting sustainable development within the country.
-END-
For further information, please contact Mr. Ryan Cobb, Energy Director at the Energy Unit (MPUELE), energy@energy.gov.bz.
