BEL Launches Major Solar Power Project

Belize Electricity Limited (BEL), working in partnership with the Government of Belize and with support from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank Group, has officially launched a new initiative to develop up to 80 megawatts of utility-scale solar power across Belize.

The company has started a Request for Prequalification process, inviting experienced private-sector developers to participate in building large-scale solar photovoltaic projects in several locations around the country. The project is being led by BEL in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy and Logistics.

This step will see BEL transition to clean and sustainable energy. The IFC is serving as Lead Transaction Advisor under the World Bank Group’s Scaling Solar program, which is designed to support transparent and competitive renewable energy projects. The advisory support is made possible through funding from the Government of Japan and the Global Infrastructure Facility.

The planned solar projects will be developed under an Independent Power Producer model. Private developers will be responsible for designing, financing, building, owning, operating, and maintaining the solar facilities over a 25-year period, while supplying power to the national grid.

The initiative follows recommenda-tions from Belize’s Least Cost System Expansion Plan, which outlines how the country can meet growing electricity demand while increasing the use of local renewable energy sources. The solar rollout supports national goals to reach 75 percent renewable electricity generation by 2030, reduce dependence on imported power, and strengthen energy security and grid reliability.

The Request for Prequalification is the first step in a competitive selection process. Only companies that meet the required technical and financial standards will be invited to submit full proposals in the next phase.

Full details of the prequalification process are available on the BEL website. BEL and the Government of Belize are encouraging qualified developers to participate in this project.