GEA pushes energy efficiency as Guyana accelerates national development

– Guyanese consumers urged to make smarter energy choices

As Guyana continues to undergo massive development across all sectors, officials are urging consumers to be more conscious of energy efficiency, especially in the buildout of commercial and industrial properties, as well as residences and the furnishing of homes. This was the message delivered during the opening of the National Seminar on Energy Efficiency and Conservation, hosted by the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, on Friday.

The event brought together Government, the private sector, academia and development partners to advance discussions on energy efficiency in Guyana – something that is a key feature of the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS 2030). According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GEA, Mahender Sharma, the transition to a more sustainable energy future is not only about generating clean energy but also about using energy wisely and more efficiently. As such, he noted that energy efficiency and conservation are no longer an option. “It is one of the most practical, cost-effective and immediate tools available to strengthen energy security. Energy efficiency is therefore an integral part of our national development agenda and our low carbon development, and it supports reduced electricity consumption, operating costs, improved reliability of power systems, reduced pressure on fuel imports, enhanced fiscal sustainability, and greater climate resilience,” Sharma stated.

The GEA head went on to note that Friday’s seminar will delve into several areas, encouraging participants to think about how they can adopt the learnings discussed and implement them into their own environments.
“In those presentations, you will see a number of ideas emerging that will show how you can value experiences like…the scale of energy efficiency in various sectors, increasing awareness…and identifying practical next steps for this conversation, this national conversation. How do we advance building codes? How do we ensure buildings are constructed in a manner that promotes energy efficiency and good air conditioning principles so that you can avoid energy wastage, strengthen standards for appliances, ensure minimum energy performance for appliances, and expand public sector efficiency and interventions?” Sharma outlined. Similarly, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh pointed out that as Guyana builds out major sectors, the population needs to be sensitised about energy efficiency.
“When this new Guyana is being built out, when more Guyanese people are acquiring vehicles and electric appliances, this is the time, I believe, to have that conversation about the more efficient use of energy,” Dr Singh stated.
According to Dr Singh, that sensitisation conversation has to happen at every level, including the national and macro levels as well as within the private sector and in the household. “It’s a conversation that the private sector needs to be better sensitised to have, especially given that they are now building out – the people who are constructing the factories, the people who are building out the hotels, they are building all sorts of things… and energy efficiency is at the core of the considerations that they should have at the time of the design of the buildout… And it’s a conversation that has to be had at the household level so that Guyanese households are better informed in making the choices that they make,” he stated. For instance, he underscored the importance of paying attention to the energy efficiency of household appliances and even vehicles when purchasing. He noted that though the Government is investing heavily in setting up the infrastructure, such as charging stations to encourage the use of electric vehicles, the uptake is still modest. “ We need a better-sensitised and better-informed population so that better choices can be made,” Minister Singh contended.
Meanwhile, Friday’s seminar was hosted with support from the World Bank Group, and according to the country representative in Guyana, Diletta Doretti, the institution is ready to work with local stakeholders in energy efficiency.
“We are very happy to be able to support [Guyana through] our technical expertise in this. We recognise that energy efficiency is key to the transition that Guyana will undergo and increases fiscal resources that can be used for other national priorities, like health, education and infrastructure. The World Bank is not just here to speak about energy efficiency; we’re also here to partner with the GEA and deliver results on the ground. I see this [seminar] as the beginning of a conversation, and I see us at the World Bank as a good way to support [through] technical expertise, not just with financing,” Doretti stated.
Against this backdrop, acting President, Mark Phillips called on financial institutions to develop products that bolster energy efficiency efforts.
“With fuel costs this volatile, the savings from efficiency measures are more valuable than ever before. We look to you to develop the financial products, the green loans, revolving credit facilities, guarantee instruments, and performance-based contracts that will unlock energy efficiency investment at scale,” he stated.
Phillips further stated that “the roadmap produced by today’s seminar should chart a clear course that reaches every sector – public, commercial, industrial and residential. The technical expertise in this room is formidable. The policy authority is present. We need the will and coordination to bring it all together into action. I’m confident this seminar can produce that.”