Energy and Development 

The commissioning of the US$8.14 million Charity Solar Farm is a defining moment in the economic and social transformation of Region Two. Reliable electricity has long been a decisive factor in regional development, and the arrival of a utility-scale renewable facility signals that the Essequibo Coast is entering a new phase of opportunity. The project is an investment in livelihoods, public services, and the long-term competitiveness of the region.
With a capacity of three megawatts peak, the facility is designed to serve approximately 3500 households while also strengthening the operations of businesses, schools and health institutions. The infrastructure, comprising thousands of solar modules, multiple inverters and a battery storage system, introduces a level of stability that the local grid has not previously enjoyed. By connecting directly to the North Feeder through a new transmission line, the farm improves both reach and resilience, reducing the disruptions that have historically constrained productivity along the coast.
Energy security is inseparable from economic growth, and the availability of cleaner and more predictable power encourages investment in agro-processing, tourism, information services and other emerging sectors. The Essequibo Coast has witnessed increasing movement of people and goods, aided by upgraded ferry services and road networks. Adequate electricity is the essential foundation upon which new hotels, commercial centres and community enterprises can confidently expand. The solar farm therefore functions as a catalyst, enabling private initiative to flourish rather than struggle with unreliable supply.
National leaders have correctly framed the project within the wider pursuit of a diversified energy portfolio. Solar generation, combined with hydro and gas-to-energy initiatives, forms a balanced approach that shields the country from the volatility of imported fuels. The Charity facility, together with the nearby Onderneeming installation, is expected to satisfy a substantial share of regional peak demand. Such progress demonstrates that renewable solutions are no longer experimental additions but core components of the national grid.
Equally significant are the environmental gains and the fact that the farm is projected to produce thousands of megawatt-hours of clean electricity each year, cutting fuel expenses and preventing thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions. These outcomes align with Guyana’s international commitments and with the expectations of citizens who increasingly value sustainable development. Lower operating costs for the utility can translate into more resources for maintenance and expansion, creating a virtuous cycle of improvement.
The social dimension of the project deserves special recognition, as training and employment opportunities have been deliberately woven into its implementation, with dozens of women and young professionals receiving practical exposure to renewable energy disciplines. Such inclusion ensures that technological progress is accompanied by human development. Skills acquired on this site will circulate throughout the economy, strengthening local capacity for future ventures in engineering, finance and environmental management.
The Charity Solar Farm also illustrates the benefits of constructive international partnership. Financing through the Guyana-Norway cooperation and administration by the Inter-American Development Bank have enabled investments that might otherwise have been delayed. Similar projects across several regions are steadily reducing dependence on diesel generation and demonstrating the wisdom of long-term planning. The National Utility-Scale Solar Photovoltaic Programme has become a model of how external support can be aligned with domestic priorities.
Challenges remain, including the need to maintain equipment in demanding coastal conditions and to integrate variable renewable output with conventional generation. Yet these are manageable tasks when confronted with professional management. The experience gained at Charity will inform future installations and help refine regulatory and technical standards.
For the people of the Pomeroon-Supenaam region, the new solar farm is already reshaping daily life. The broader message is that regional development is achievable when innovation, investment and inclusive planning converge.
Guyana stands at the threshold of an energy transition, and the Essequibo Coast has taken a decisive step forward. Continued commitment to such initiatives will ensure that the benefits of growth reach every corner of the nation.