Consultancy for the development of a transmission expansion planning framework for Belize and support for updating the current transmission expansion plan

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), in coordination with Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) and national energy sector stakeholders, invites consulting firms to submit proposals to design an institutionalized transmission expansion planning framework and support the collaborative update of the transmission component of the Least Cost Expansion Plan (LCEP).

1. Framework design & capacity building

Standardized planning framework: Establish a repeatable, data-driven methodology, process flow diagram, governance structure, and data-reporting templates to formalize long-term network planning across sector entities.

Software & tool assessment: Evaluate power system modeling software and licensing needs—using BEL’s current platform (ETAP) as a baseline—covering steady-state, dynamic, short-circuit, and production cost simulations.

Technical training program: Deliver a comprehensive 120-hour training program for approximately 20 sector participants (with a core group of 10 completing hands-on modeling modules), featuring at least 50% in-person practical workshops in Belize.

2. Least Cost Expansion Plan (LCEP) update & grid studies

Baseline diagnosis & load forecast: Evaluate 5-year historical performance data (voltage, losses, N-1 violations) and construct a 20-year national and substation-level hourly demand forecast with high, base, and low scenario bands.

Generation scenarios & network studies: Conduct load flow, contingency (N-1), reactive compensation, short-circuit, and dynamic stability studies across the 115 kV and 69 kV grids, assessing generation siting, renewable integration, and scenarios with reduced Mexico interconnection capacity.

Project identification & techno-economic analysis: Evaluate structural, operational, and non-network alternatives to address identified grid constraints, using multi-criteria decision analysis and cost-benefit evaluations.

3. Optimal portfolio & model deliverables

Investment roadmap: Develop an optimal, prioritized portfolio of transmission expansion projects complete with annual capital profiles, implementation timelines, and climate resilience considerations.

Native & neutral model sets: Deliver fully validated power system models for steady-state, dynamic, short-circuit, and production cost cases in both the native software format and a neutral exchange format.

Note: Interested consulting firms must review the requirements on the BEO Bidders Portal.

Executing unit: Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)

IDB project: RG-T4927

Contact: [contact details removed]

Financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).