Wind Power Potential in Belize

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Wind Power Potential in Belize Wind power is one of the fastest growing renewable energy technologies in the world, with an annual growth rate of 30.7 percent (Flomenhoft, 2007). Its popularity stems from its renewable characteristics, emission free properties and the cheap electricity that it produces. Thus far, Belize has not harnessed the wind energy in the country which I believe is unfortunate. Approximately 50% of Belize?s electricity production is imported from Mexico (Launchpad consulting, 2003). Hydro accounts for 25%, diesel makes 20%, bagasse, produced by the local sugar industry creates 5% and a mere 0.03% is produced through using solar and wind power combined (Launchpad consulting, 2003). I personally feel as though it would be in the country?s, as well as the world?s best interest if this number increased drastically. This essay will examine the potential for wind energy production in Belize. As a general rule, wind turbines are practical to install where the average wind speed is at least 16km per hour (www.canwea.ca). Such conditions are found in Belize on both the coast and in mountainous regions. The peak power of electricity in Belize is sixty-eight megawatts (Flomenhoft, 2007). A quarter of all of the electricity is run on hydro (Launchpad consulting, 2003), which is a renewable energy and is difficult to reverse, therefore it would be wise to continue using hydro. I believe that it would be sensible to stop importing half of the country?s electricity from Mexico, as it leaves the country vulnerable to price changes that are uncontrollable. A wind mapping report of Central America suggested that Belize has potential to produce 3800 MW in total between the coastal and mountain regions (Swer... ... middle of paper ... ... all of Belize?s power is being produced by water and wind, this could be a great marketing tool for the ecotourists who are ?thinking green?. Thinking big in a small country can be difficult in the beginning but can pay off in the long run. It this case, I believe it would. References Canadian Wind Energy Association. Retrieved April 1, 2007 from: www.canwea.ca. Energy for Sustainable Development Toward a National Energy Strategy for Belize, Energy Sector Diagnostic (2003). Launchpad Consulting in Collaboration with Dr. Ivan Azurdia-Bravo. Flomenhoft, G. (2007, January & March) Energy Alternatives Lectures, Galen University, Belize. Solar and Wind Energy Resource Assessment. Retrieved April 1, 2007 from: www.swera.unep.net. Windfinder. Retrieved April1, 2007 from: http://www.windfinder.com/.

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