$2.2B Onderneeming Solar Farm commissioned in Region 2

Region Two (Pomeroon–Supenaam) has received a major boost to its energy reliability and sustainability with the commissioning of the $2.2B (US$10.4M) 5 Megawatt peak (MWp) Onderneeming Solar Farm – Guyana’s largest hybrid solar-plus-storage power plant to date.
The newly established facility, which incorporates a cutting-edge 7.5 megawatt-hour (MWh) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), stands as a major milestone in the Government’s push toward clean, dependable, and affordable electricity for thousands of residents across the Essequibo Coast.
Spread across 13 acres, the solar farm combines 5 MW of photovoltaic capacity with battery storage technology capable of retaining surplus energy during daylight hours and supplying it after sunset. This hybrid system ensures greater grid stability and consistent power flow, even during periods of low sunlight.
Currently, the Essequibo Coast’s isolated grid operates with around 16 MW of installed diesel generation capacity, of which 13 MW is available due to maintenance cycles. The region’s peak demand averages 8.5 MW. The new solar farm contributes 4 MW of clean energy, while another 2.3 MW facility nearing completion at Charity will further bolster supply.
Once both facilities are operational, Essequibo’s generating capacity will increase to approximately 22.3 MW, almost three times its current peak demand. The excess capacity will allow for smoother generator maintenance schedules, reduce diesel consumption, lower operational costs, and minimise carbon emissions.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips described the development as a tangible demonstration of the Government’s ongoing effort to strengthen energy security while advancing Guyana’s climate agenda.

“This project represents another step forward in our national efforts to deliver clean and affordable energy to the people of Guyana,” the Prime Minister stated.
He lauded the project’s successful completion, highlighting the transformation of previously undeveloped land into a state-of-the-art solar generation facility.
Prime Minister Phillips reaffirmed that the addition of renewable energy sources will not lead to any hike in electricity tariffs. Instead, he said, savings from reduced fossil fuel use will directly benefit consumers. He also emphasised that the Government’s broader energy programme includes the construction of solar farms across other regions, the distribution of 37,000 solar panels to hinterland households, and the implementation of a 125 MW hydropower project by 2031.
“With energy and food security at the forefront, Guyana is moving closer to climate security,” the Prime Minister asserted, crediting President Dr Irfaan Ali’s leadership in advancing Guyana’s global reputation in sustainable development.
Additionally, Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Executive Manager Kesh Nandlall described the initiative as a “transformational project” under the GUYSOL Programme, which seeks to generate 33 MW of solar power countrywide.
“Essequibo’s daily demand stands at about 8 megawatts during the day and 8.5 at night. With this project, our capacity now reaches 22 megawatts, significantly improving reliability and room for growth,” Nandlall noted.
Meanwhile, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Country Representative Lorena Solorzano applauded the project as a model of innovation and collaboration under the Guyana–Norway climate partnership.
“Guyana is on track to achieving 19 per cent renewable energy integration,” she said, adding that more than 12,000 residents, including schools and health institutions, will benefit from the initiative.

Solorzano also commended the project’s focus on inclusion, particularly the training of nine women in solar PV installation who gained hands-on experience at the charity site.
“This project not only delivers power but empowers people, especially women, through new technical skills,” she emphasised.
Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, credited the initiative to the visionary leadership of President Dr Irfaan Ali and Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, noting that the project reflects the success of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) in driving renewable energy investments.
“What we see here is the product of teamwork and perseverance,” Minister Indar remarked.
Regional Chairman Devin Mohan also expressed pride in Region Two’s growing contribution to Guyana’s green energy future, emphasising that many of the materials used in the project were sourced locally.
“Region Two continues to transform across every sector, and this solar farm is a shining example of that progress,” he said.
The Onderneeming Solar Farm was executed through a joint venture between SUMEC Complete Equipment and Engineering Company Limited and XJ Group Corporation. Financing was provided under the US$83.3 million Guyana–Norway partnership, administered by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).