Being at the forefront of sustainable energy development
Dear Editor,
This is a follow-up to my previous letter on energy development, wherein I suggested that we, as a nation, pursue using the US$2B investment that was put aside for the gas-to-energy project to develop solar energy. It is important to note that the largest solar energy farms in the world are of a similar size investment, and provide energy in the 2000MW or 2GW range.
Guyana must not overlook the opportunity to be at the forefront of renewable energy development. I have heard the comments about the base load and energy storage capabilities of batteries. Technology continues to evolve and improve. The technology available today will be able to meet our current needs, and a project of this magnitude would also allow for our future needs to be met as the technology develops.
The current administration should benchmark the projects in India (Rajasthan Bhadla Solar Park: 2.25GW for a $1.3B investment); China (Huanghe Hydropower Hainan Solar Park: 2.2GW for a $2.3B investment); India (Karnataka Pavagada Solar Park: 2.05GW for a $2B investment) These are three of the largest solar parks in the world, and the price tag is within our investment range and will allow us to supply sufficient electricity for every household in the nation.
As a member of the Guiana Shield, it is our duty and responsibility to continue in a leadership role for environmental stewardship. The pursuit of becoming the first nation that can supply every household with solar-generated electricity is achievable, and will set an example for the world, showing what is possible in the pursuit of preventing climate change.
