Guyana remains committed to developing solar energy initiatives – Min Indar

…says Leguan, Wakenaam & Mahdia to get solar farms by 2024

In keeping with its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, Guyana continues to make key investments to expand its solar energy sources.
Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar, on Wednesday highlighted several initiatives the Government is undertaking to increase access to reliable energy countrywide, during a virtual session of the 5th Meeting of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Regional Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean Region.

“The provision of affordable, stable and reliable energy to benefit both households and businesses remains high on the agenda,” Indar said.
Last August, residents of Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), welcomed the commissioning of a $472 million one-megawatt (MW) solar farm that, in addition to providing reliable electricity, is expected to generate $137 million per year in savings.
Prior to this, residents in Lethem reportedly paid $80 per kilowatt of electricity, which is higher than that paid in Georgetown, given the cost of transporting fuel from the coastland.
In April last, a $625 million 1.5 MW Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Farm was commissioned in Daag Point, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), to provide clean, renewable energy to over 3000 residents of Bartica and its surrounding communities.
However, the minister shared that these solar farms at Bartica and Lethem have so far avoided the use of 1100 and 2246 drums of diesel respectively.
In addition, he stated that Leguan and Wakenaam, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), are slated to have 0.6MW and 0.75MW solar PV farms respectively, while Mahdia is poised to have its 0.65MW solar farm completed by 2024.
“Moreover, the Government will be installing solar PV farms in Berbice, Essequibo, and Linden, totalling 33 MW, financed from the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF),” Indar said.

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) had approved the use of US$83.8 million, earned from Norway by keeping Guyana’s rainforests intact, for the construction of a number of these solar farms, which aim to add renewable energy sources to Guyana’s grid.
Minister Indar further highlighted several key solar energy initiatives that are also being pursued in the hinterland and riverine communities to expand access to reliable electricity and broaden Information and Communications Technology (ICT) connectivity.
“With adequate and timely technical and financial support, the country will be able to further advance solar energy technology to promote sustainable energy solutions. The Government of Guyana will continue to support and foster solar energy development across the Region, and work in partnership with stakeholders in the sector,” he said.
Plans to have 19 solar-powered mini-grids in hinterland communities, as well as to distribute 30,000 solar panel systems across 200 hinterland communities, are underway with the first 1830 solar units being in the country as at May.
The International Solar Alliance is a member-driven, collaborative platform seeking to increase the deployment of solar energy technologies to enhance energy access, ensure energy security, and drive energy transition in its member countries.
Last year, Guyana hosted the Fourth Regional Committee Meeting of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for Latin America. (Pooja Rambaran)