EIA waived for Guyana’s 1st solar-powered water treatment plant

…no significant impact on environment – EPA
Guyana is one step closer to getting its first ever solar-powered water treatment plant, as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has waived the requirements for an impact study for the European Union (EU) funded project that will benefit over 4000 households in East Berbice-Corentyne.

In a notice, the EPA said that the project which will cost US$750,000 (or $150 million) would not have a significant impact on the environment. It was pointed out that the project will draw 40 per cent of its annual energy usage from the solar energy sources.
It was also pointed out that the project will see the existing Port Mourant Water Treatment plant (PMWTP) no longer have to use a back-up generator. Additionally, the project will cater for 4500 residents.
“Impacts from noise will be low to moderate primarily during the operational phase of the PMWTP and the construction of the solar energy field, which will be short term and localised… impacts from dust pollution will be moderate and primarily during construction of the solar energy field and would be short term and localised.”
“The project is not in close proximity to any sensitive ecosystems. Project activities will have low to minor effects on the existing biodiversity and ecosystem in the proposed project area. The developer will ensure that waste will be recycled and reused as well as utilise appropriate disposal techniques in keeping with the agency’s hazardous waste guidelines.”
Persons were meanwhile given the option of appealing the waiver, within 30 days of the published notice. Last year, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) had announced that the project would be commissioned in 2023.
GWI Manager of Water Resources and Climate Change Adaptation, Denise Woolford had said during a press conference that the facility would help reduce “our carbon dioxide emissions which will then minimise the risks of climate change, and as a company we want to ensure that our activities add value, and do not cause adverse effects.”
This is in keeping with Guyana’s commitment to reduce its carbon emissions by 70 per cent in 2030 through a progressively cleaner energy mix. It is also interlinked with the renewed and expanded Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030.
GWI has embarked on other solar power projects, but of a smaller nature. These include the recently commissioned $38 million water system at Kato village, Region Eight, which features solar panels and accessories.
There are a number of policy decisions the Government has taken towards realising its renewable energy ambitions. These include the revival of the 165-megawatt Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP), which was one of the promises made by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic in its manifesto.
The project was initiated under the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration, but was scrapped by the coalition Administration which had controlled the National Assembly by a one-seat Opposition majority. At present, there is interest from several bilateral partners in the project to finance the construction of the project.
The AFHP was the flagship of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). It was expected to deliver a steady source of clean, renewable energy that would have been affordable and reliable, and was envisioned to meet approximately 90 per cent of Guyana’s domestic energy needs while removing dependency on fossil fuels.
The AFHP was first identified in 1976 by the Canadian company Monenco during an extensive survey of hydroelectric power potential in Guyana. Various studies have since justified and strongly supported the construction of the AFHP.
Meanwhile, there was a $362.4 million Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) funded contract that was signed last year for a solar farm at Mahdia, Region Eight, that will benefit close to 3000 residents and significantly reduce the State’s expenditure on heavy fuel oil.
The 0.65MW Mahdia solar farm is being financed through a loan from the IDB, under the Energy Matrix Diversification and Strengthening of the Department of Energy (EMISDE) programme. There is also a 1.5MW Bartica solar farm, which will cost $625 million and will soon be completed. (G3)