GEA distributed over 26,000 solar home energy systems in 2023

– installs 21 solar mini-grids
As Guyana pursues important steps to decouple economic growth from using fossil fuels for electricity generation, and harness its low-carbon resources, the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) has recorded notable milestones from energy projects undertaken in 2023.
Progress made by the GEA in the provision of energy has helped to address rising electricity demands and enhanced access to renewable energy across local communities.

GEA supported implementation of a massive electrification project to supply, deliver, and distribute 30,000 solar home energy systems to hinterland and riverine communities in Guyana. A total of 26,398 units of 160-watt home energy systems were distributed as at December 2023; and each of those can power two 9-watt LED lamps, one 12-watt stand fan, and are equipped with a USB port to facilitate charging of portable electronic devices.
At completion of this project to distribute 30,000 solar PV home energy systems, a total of 4.8MW will be installed across the 10 administrative regions.
During 2023, 19 communities from Regions One, Two, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten, with an estimated population of 21,674 persons and 3,880 households, benefitted from the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) mini-grids with a combined total capacity of 601-kilowatt peak (KWp). These solar PV systems supply electricity to 262 public and community buildings within the communities of Baramita, Canal Bank, Haimacabra, Kwebanna, Karaburi, Sebai, Wakapao, St. Monica, Capoey, Tapakuma, Waramadong, Jawalla, Paruima, Kurukabaru, Karasabai, Aishalton, Kraudarnau, Annai, and Riversview.

Each solar PV mini-grid has a hybrid configuration comprising a ground-mounted solar PV array, hybrid inverter, battery energy storage system, and associated balance-of-system components. The electrical network interconnects the system to the public/ community buildings via a 13.8 kilovolt (kV) medium voltage transmission and a 120/240 volt alternating current (Vac) low voltage distribution network.
GEA has also installed two solar PV mini-grids supplying electricity to 23 buildings in the communities of Orealla and Siparuta in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). Orealla was equipped with a 45-kilowatt (kW) mini solar installation and a 135 kilowatt per hour (kWh) battery energy storage system, while Siparuta has been equipped with a 45kW mini solar installation with a 105kWh battery energy storage system.
The Government of Guyana commissioned its second mega-scale solar farm, the 1.5MW utility-scale solar PV plant at Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) in March 2023.
At 22 off-grid locations, GEA installed over 163kWp of solar PV capacity and 800kWh of battery energy storage. The installations provide electricity to public and community buildings across Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Six, Seven, Nine and Ten within 20 communities: Marlborough, Siriki, Schepmoed, PlegtAnker, Baracara, Lighttown, Macushi, Muritaro, Kaikan, Aishalton, Karasabai, Georgetown, Smith Creek, Mabel Sandy, Martindale, Rockstone, Lanaballi, Bartica, Kartabo and Jawalla.
Moreover, a total of six electric vehicle (EV) charging stations have been installed for public use in Regions Three, Four and Six, to promote low-carbon infrastructure, demonstrate opportunities in the electric mobility industry, and catalyze private sector replication. This project marks the first publicly accessible charging infrastructure along Guyana’s coast, and demonstrates the local market’s readiness for an electric mobility future.
Also, fifty (50) mechanics and auto-technicians have benefitted from EV maintenance and repair training to build capacity for the new electric vehicle industry.
During the year, GEA supported implementation of small hydropower projects in Kumu and Moco Moco, Region Nine, which aim to provide hydroelectricity to Lethem and its surrounding environs. Under this project, a new 1.5MW hydropower plant has been constructed at Kumu and the defunct Moco Moco hydropower plant has been rehabilitated and upgraded to 0.7MW capacity. This Project is 37 per cent completed and is scheduled for completion and commissioning by 2025.
In 2022, the solar PV installed capacity was 7.96 megawatts, with addition of the 1-megawatt Lethem solar PV farm, 10 off-grid systems at Loo Creek in Region Four, and 59 solar PV systems at public buildings. In 2023, the solar PV installed capacity increased by 6.661 megawatts to 14.62 megawatts with additions that included the 1.5megawatt Bartica solar PV farm, completion of 21 solar mini-grids, 22 solar PV systems at public buildings, and distribution of 26,398 solar home energy systems.
Meanwhile, the GEA welcomes the 2024 budget approval, which includes allocations for the construction of a 0.6MW solar farm at Leguan, completion of the 0.65MW solar farm at Mahdia, five new solar PV mini-grids at Awarewaunau, Katoka, Maruranau, Yupukari and Nappi in Region Nine, and funds for the supply and installation of off-grid solar PV systems at 42 locations.
The Guyana Energy Agency continues to support national efforts aimed at transforming the country’s sustainable low-carbon pathway and the energy sector as it contributes to provide access to cleaner, affordable energy for all, as well as promoting energy efficiency and conservation practices.