Finance Minister highlights Guyana’s global climate leadership through LCDS

– says 3MW Hampshire solar farm signals commitment to clean energy transition

Guyana has taken another major step in its renewable energy transition with the commissioning of a 3 megawatt (MW) solar farm at Hampshire, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) – an initiative Government officials say underscores the country’s seriousness about transforming its energy landscape while positioning itself as a global leader in climate financing.
Speaking at the ceremony, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh hailed the project as “historic,” emphasising its significance in Guyana’s clean energy journey, job creation, and strengthening of regional and international partnerships.
“This project is part of a very important historic journey,” Dr. Singh said. “It reflects the Government of Guyana’s unwavering commitment to delivering sustainable energy solutions nationwide.”
The facility, commissioned on Friday last during President Irfaan Ali’s two-day Cabinet outreach to region, forms part of the Guyana Utility-Scale Solar Photovoltaic (GUYSOL) Programme, which is funded through the Guyana–Norway forest partnership.
The US$83 million programme will see the construction of eight solar farms delivering a total of 33 megawatt peak (MWp) of power across the country, including three in Region Six at Hampshire, Prospect, and Trafalgar.
Dr Singh also used the opportunity to reflect on the foundations of Guyana’s global climate leadership, noting that as far back as 2006, then-President Bharrat Jagdeo championed the call for the preservation of Guyana’s rainforest to be financially recognised. This advocacy culminated in the landmark 2009 Guyana–Norway agreement, under which Norway committed US$250 million for Guyana’s forest conservation services.
“Guyana was providing climate services to the world free of charge,” Dr Singh reminded. “Former President Jagdeo articulated the vision for forest compensation in a way that had never before been done anywhere in the world.”
He noted that this vision continues under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, launched by President Irfaan Ali, which has expanded climate financing opportunities and funded various renewable energy and community development projects – including the GUYSOL programme.

Women, Youth, PLWD Benefiting
The solar project is already delivering meaningful social benefits. IDB Resident Representative Lorena Solórzano Salazar highlighted that 31 of the 50 persons trained in solar PV installation under the programme were women, all of whom gained employment during the first three years of implementation across Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), and Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
Additionally, six persons with disabilities were trained and are now employed with the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL).

Pillar of Guyana’s Energy Future
The Government’s 2025 Manifesto outlines ambitious plans to expand the country’s renewable energy portfolio, including resuscitating the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP) and adding another 100MW of solar generation capacity. These initiatives are part of a diversified energy mix aimed at lowering emissions, improving reliability, and reducing electricity costs over time.
The commissioning of the Hampshire solar farm aligns with broader transformative developments underway in Region Six. Over the last five years, Berbice has seen significant investments toward becoming Guyana’s second major industrial hub. The region now boasts a modern Number 75 Regional Hospital, improved road infrastructure, an ongoing New Amsterdam hospital project, call centres that provide new employment opportunities, and major projects such as the Palmyra stadium and plans for new bridges across both the Berbice and Corentyne rivers.
As the GUYSOL programme progresses, Government officials say these solar farms will not only provide cleaner energy but also support economic expansion, stimulate investment, and reduce the region’s long-term dependence on fossil fuels.