Guyana, Brazil, Suriname to partner in energy, other transformational areas – President Santokhi

…pooling natural gas resources can achieve development for countries

Following on the heels of the recent trilateral summit between the Presidents of Guyana, Suriname and Brazil, Surinamese President Chandrikapersad Santokhi said that the three countries will be partnering in areas such as energy, infrastructure and market expansion.

President Santokhi, who is in Guyana for the International Oil and Gas Conference, made this pronouncement during his address on the first day of the conference on Tuesday. According to the Surinamese President, the time is now for the three countries to collaborate.
“On the 21st of January, 2022, the Presidents of the neighbouring states Guyana, Brazil and Suriname, met in Paramaribo for initial discussions about the strategic cooperation framework and follow up work to develop the agenda and execution going on. As responsible leaders, we must look ahead. If we do not start now, we’ll not only lag behind, but we will waste opportunities,” President Santokhi said.
In his address, President Santokhi also spoke of the specific areas in which he expects Suriname will collaborate with Guyana and Brazil. According to the Head of State, the pooling of their respective natural gas resources could go towards establishing an energy corridor and manufacturing haven.

“To secure an economy that is sustainable and resilient with growth, we have designed a concept of sustainable development beyond our borders, which basically promotes functional cooperation between the neighbouring countries Guyana and Brazil, in five areas,” Santokhi said.
“Infrastructure, environment, investment, market expansion and energy. And we are confident that by pooling our gas resources, we can have a cost-effective energy source to facilitate regional development process with energy intensive industrial complexes, utilising mineral resources in these countries which otherwise would not have been possible.”
In January 2022, President Dr Irfaan Ali had led a delegation to Suriname, where he met Santokhi and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. While there, the three neighbouring leaders met for a working lunch in Paramaribo and discussed enhancing cooperation in a number of areas, including infrastructure, trade and energy.
Already, Guyana has been partnering with Suriname on building the Corentyne bridge. There is also talk of a shared energy corridor. Guyana also has a flagship natural gas project in the form of the gas-to-shore project, which when outfitted with a power plant and industrial park will contribute over 150 MW of energy.
Last month, bids were opened for companies vying to be prequalified for the project. Among the companies whose Expressions of Interest were deemed acceptable enough to now enter the prequalification process, were CH4 Guyana Incorporated in collaboration with Lindsayca Incorporated, a Texas-based company.

Power China International Group Limited, a company that specialises in hydropower and electrical infrastructure, was also prequalified, as well as China Energy International Guyana Company Limited. China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) was also prequalified.
Other companies include Apan Energy, Wilson Offshore and Marine Limited, Constutora Queiroz Galvao, Tecnicas Reunidas, Black and Veatch, Amerapex Corporation (USA), SEPCOII Electric Power and Trinidadian company NGC Group.
The Guyana Government has said a power plant will be established to generate 150 MW, with an additional 150 MW in a second phase, and that an industrial park will be established to comprise industries that could use gas, steam and/or electricity.
ExxonMobil’s local affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), has guaranteed the Government a minimum of 50 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscfd) will be transported through the pipeline by 2024. The pipeline will have a maximum capacity of 130 mmscfd.
The gas-to-energy project which is expected to come on stream by late 2024, is expected to reduce Guyana’s energy sector emissions. The project will also cut electricity cost by more than half. The cost has long been regarded by the Private Sector as prohibitive to investments. Hence, Government expects the gas-to-energy project to significantly improve the ease of doing business in Guyana. (G3)