Govt delivers on renewable energy promise to Indigenous communities – PM

…as Moruca gets 2 new solar mini-grids

As Guyana transitions to renewable energy, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government is ensuring that indigenous communities across the country also benefit these cleaner and more sustainable sources of energy.
Recently, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, commissioned two solar PV mini-grid systems at Karaburi and Haimacabra in the Moruca Sub-district, Region One (Barima-Waini).
The Prime Minister expressed his happiness with the commissioning, recognising the significance of the projects in enhancing the quality of life and fostering sustainable development in the remote hinterland communities.
He noted that these projects are vital to fulfilling the Government’s promise of inclusive development, ensuring that all Guyanese, particularly those in the hinterland, benefit from modern amenities and sustainable energy solutions.
“These solar projects are part of our broader plan to bridge the energy divide between the coast and the hinterland. We recognise that energy is essential to development, and today we are fulfilling our promise to bring renewable energy solutions to our first people,” PM Phillips stated during the commissioning ceremony on Friday.

In Karaburi, the newly installed 19kW solar PV system, supported by 85kWh of battery storage, will power eight critical buildings in the village. This project follows the earlier distribution of 137 solar home systems to households in the community, which has already improved residents’ daily lives by providing clean and reliable energy.
In Haimacabra, a 21.5kW solar PV system with 94kWh of battery storage is now powering seven key community buildings, including the teacher’s quarters, primary school, nursery, hot meals kitchen, and health centre. This project builds on the earlier distribution of 245 solar home systems to households in the village.

Essential services
According to the Prime Minister, these solar systems are not just lighting up homes but they are powering essential services in schools and health centres, enabling better education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
He also reiterated the Government’s longstanding commitment to hinterland development.
PM Phillips emphasised that, “As long as the PPP/C Government remains in power … we will continue to bring development and improvements to the lives of all our people, all the people in your communities. Your children who are with us today they now have electricity, they have internet, they have better health facilities, better school facilities, because of the PPP/C Government and the promises to the people that we’re implementing since August 2nd, 2020.”
Guyana Energy Agency’s (GEA) Chief Executive Officer, Dr Mahender Sharma, was also at the commissioning exercises in Region One.
In its 2024 Mid-Year report released last month, the Guyana Government said consistent with the desired energy mix, works are advancing to improve solar power and mini hydropower generating capacity.

During the first six months of this year, a 0.65 MW solar farm in Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) was substantially completed and is expected to be commissioned later in the year. Additionally, works for three solar farms will advance later this year, namely a 10 MW solar farm in Berbice, 8 MW solar farm in Essequibo and a 0.6 MW solar farm at Leguan.
Moreover, a total of 3,101 solar energy home systems were distributed in the first half of 2024 to support households in the off-grid and riverain communities. It is expected that 501 more home systems will be delivered to the communities of Chenapao, Karisparu, Tuseneng and Maikwak in Region Eight as well as Cashew Island in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) by the end of this year.
Meanwhile, as government through the GEA works to install solar panels on most state buildings, plans are also afoot for a solar power plant at the Mazaruni Prison in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and these works are set to commence later in the year.

Strategic vision
Back in June, PM Phillips had highlighted the Government’s strategic vision for advancing solar and renewable energy initiatives. He was at the time speaking at the AmCham Solar Technology Energy Mixer. The event, hosted by the Energy Sub-Committee of the American Chamber of Commerce of Guyana, focused on “Advances in Solar Technology, Opportunities for Guyana”.

During his remarks, the prime minister spoke of the crucial role of public-private partnerships in driving innovation and achieving energy independence. He said that the Government is committed to advancing solar technology throughout Guyana.
“Sustainable development will embrace greater use of renewable energy… As we progress further and as we embrace smarter use of energy, and smarter consumption, the reality is we will move towards greater use of renewable energy,” he said.
Guyana’s plans to embrace an energy mix using solar, wind, and hydropower was also emphasised.
The prime minister noted, “We made a commitment that we will have energy from hydro and we will have energy from oil and gas but…we will, as a government, continue to support the expansion of solar energy and technology.”
To date, the Guyana Government has injected substantial funding and done significant works, through the GEA, on building solar mini and micro farms, as well as deliver over 30,000 household solar systems to hinterland communities.
In addition, the PPP/C Administration has also rolled out several fiscal incentives such as VAT and import duty exemptions for renewable electricity equipment and solar appliances; a one-off two-year tax holiday on corporation tax for importers of solar energy investment items; and changes to the Wear and Tear Schedule of the Income Tax Act allowing for capital expense write-offs within two years. (G8)