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This indicator measures the share of renewable energy used in the generation of electricity.

The role of data is currently gaining momentum in energy systems analyses and application. The promotion of energy, and in particular of electricity from renewable sources of energy, is a high priority for sustainable development for several reasons, including the security and diversification of energy supply and environmental protection[1]. 

Energy Unit (Ministry of Public Service, Energy and Public Utilities)

Contributing Organizations: Belize Electricity Limited (BEL), Public Utilities Commission (PUC), Independent Power Producers and Renewable Energy Companies.

Energy Unit (Ministry of Public Service, Energy and Public Utilities) - Geon Hanson and Deon Kelly

Annual 

Percentage (%)

This indicator aggregates renewable energy options with respect to electricity generation. Renewable energy includes both combustible and non-combustible renewables. Non-combustible renewables include geothermal, solar, wind, hydro, tide and wave energy. For geothermal energy, the energy quantity is the enthalpy of the geothermal heat entering the process. For solar, wind, hydro, tide and wave energy, the quantities entering electricity generation are equal to the electrical energy generated. Electricity is accounted for at the same heat value as electricity in final consumption (i.e. 1 terawatt hour [TWh] equals 0.086 million tonnes of oil equivalent [Mtoe]). Direct use of geothermal and solar heat and heat from heat pumps is also included.[1]

Technology Type (Hydro, Solar, Wind, Biomass, Fossil Fuels, Imported Electricity)

Methodological Description:

The indicator is computed by calculating the simple ratio (renewable share) of electricity production from Renewable Energy sources (RE) to total electricity production.

Total Electricity production is calculated by the following formula: Renewable Energy Electricity Production + Non-Renewable Electricity Production + Imported Electricity.

The elements comprising this indicator are renewable resources, non-renewable resources, and imports of electricity. Renewable resources refer to energy collected from current ambient energy flows or from substances derived from them. The indicator aggregates renewable energy sources on one side and all other non-renewable sources on the other hand[1].

[1]https://unstats.un.org/unsd/environment/envpdf/UNSD_UNEP_ECOWAS%20Workshop/Session%2008-2%20Energy%20indicators%20(UNSD).pdf

Energy indicators are a useful tool for summarizing information and monitoring trends reflecting various aspects of a country’s energy situation over time. A number of indicators can be compiled from basic energy statistics, energy balances and energy accounts.

Energy-related emissions are responsible for majority of all greenhouse gas emissions. Increasing the share of renewables in electricity generation will help to reduce the use of fossil fuels such as crude oil and thus the emission of greenhouse gases. Increasing the share of renewable energy is therefore an important contribution to climate protection and also helps to save resources[1].

This indicator can be used to direct energy and climate change policy development and provide decision-makers with scientific backed information.

The indicator can be misleading due to the Indicator name used. For instance, the word “energy mix” may be interpreted as encompassing the entire Energy Sector. However, the RE percentage provided refers to the RE share from “electricity generation” only.

This indicator is linked to fuel shares (energy mix) in energy and electricity and non-carbon fuel shares. Also, the indicator is linked to indicators related to security of supplies and environmental protection.