By: Omar Silva

Wednesday, 23rd February 2023

Santánder Sugar Group’s investment in Belize has not only led to the production of high-quality sugar for export but has also brought innovative technology to provide the country with a national electricity grid powered by renewable energy.

With a generation capacity totaling 15.5 megawatts per hour, Santánder produces approximately 30,000 megawatts of sustainable electricity per year. Half of this is used to power the milling and other machinery, while the remaining balance is fed into the national power grid.

The company produces renewable energy from biomass, specifically bagasse, which is the fiber left over after sugar cane has been threshed to remove the juice. The bagasse is recycled and used as boiler fuel, burning at a certain degree to produce steam that is then converted into electricity or used as heat in the factory to power on-site machinery.

As the company’s harvest area continues to grow, it will not create more energy, but rather extend generation capacity. While the harvest season is for sugar production, the aim is to collect and store bagasse not only to produce the required amount of energy but also to save for the start of the crop season for the following year.

By generating its own energy, Santánder reduces the chances of being dependent on an external power source and ensures self-sufficiency in the event of any power outages or natural disasters. It also contributes to the cost-effectiveness of the product since they are producing energy via the same process as importing energy from the grid.

This new production of energy not only represents a lower cost of electricity but also creates more jobs for Belizeans in all areas. The company’s innovative technology has brought great benefits to the country, providing reliable power and contributing to the development of the local community.

As we move towards a greener future, Santánder’s example shows how sustainable practices can be implemented in various industries to promote environmental stewardship and support local economies.