Studies planned for 2nd Belize-Mexico power link

Belize Electricity (BEL) plans to conduct further studies over the next two years to determine the feasibility of a second interconnection with Mexico.

Information from the power utility shows that a project that would stretch 103km and initially operate at 115kV and increase to 230kV would cost around US$55.4mn.

The studies also would look at potential links with Guatemala and Honduras that would open the door to Central America’s Siepac grid.

Read Belize foresees increasing energy curtailment from Mexico

The update is part of BEL’s responses to the Public Utilities Commission’s review of the company’s 2024-28 rate case submission.

In its supporting arguments to the regulator, BEL also highlighted other dispatch infrastructure underway and in the pipeline.

These works are the BZ$26mn (US$13mn) Caye Caulker submarine interconnection, which is due online in the fourth quarter of this year, and a BZ$53.8mn second submarine link with Ambergris Caye.

The feasibility study for Ambergris is scheduled to be ready at the end of May and the design, engineering and ordering of the long lead equipment is expected by year-end, with construction penciled in to be completed in 2026.

Additional details for the aforementioned works are available in the Documents box in the top right corner.