Guyana to have 24 EV charging stations in operation by year-end

– as more technicians trained to support renewable energy transition

The Guyana Government continues to invest in the infrastructure to push its clean energy agenda, with plans underway to install more than a dozen new publicly accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the country by the end of this year.
This was revealed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Dr Mahender Sharma, during the graduation ceremony for participants of the Electric Vehicle Systems and Solar PV Charging Infrastructure training programme held on Friday at Windjammer Hotel in Georgetown.
Currently, seven publicly accessible EV charging stations have been installed at Amazonia Mall, Providence, Gifland Mall, GEA’s head office, Ogle Airport, S and R Parking Lot in Parika, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, and Little Rock Suites in New Amsterdam.

According to Dr Sharma, an additional 13 charging stations will be installed before the end of the year. These will be complemented by another four charging stations to be installed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Guyana.
This brings the total number of public EV charging facilities across the country to 24.

Dr Sharma explained that the expansion of EV infrastructure falls under Guyana’s commitment to renewable energy, energy efficiency, and climate resilience, as outlined in the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030.
To further encourage the transition to cleaner transportation, the Government has maintained a range of incentives for EV owners and investors.
“For fiscal support, electric vehicles, regardless of the power rating, attract zero taxes and duties. Additionally, the annual write-down allowance applicable to all electric vehicles has been increased to 50 per cent to encourage businesses to invest in eco-friendly vehicles,” the GEA head noted.
The expansion of Guyana’s EV charging is expected to strengthen public confidence in electric transportation while contributing to the country’s goals of reducing emissions and building a more sustainable future.

Specialised technicians
Meanwhile, Friday’s graduation ceremony saw 22 individuals now joining Guyana’s pool of skilled renewable energy technicians after completing specialised training in electric vehicle systems and solar PV charging infrastructure.
The initiative was implemented through a partnership among the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the United Nations.
Delivering remarks on behalf of Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Dr Sharma highlighted the Government’s commitment to building a skilled workforce to support Guyana’s transition to renewable energy and electric mobility.
He noted that Guyana continues to invest heavily in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and climate resilience while creating an enabling environment for the adoption of electric vehicles and clean technologies. This training initiative complements those efforts by ensuring we develop the local expertise needed to install, operate, and maintain technologies that will power the future,” the GEA head noted.
He further stated that the programme comes at a critical time as demand for renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles continues to grow.
Dr Sharma also pointed out the Government’s ongoing grid-connected solar programme and encouraged graduates to participate in installing solar-powered EV charging stations being established countrywide.
In addition, the UNDP Resident Coordinator Katy Thompson reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Guyana’s sustainable development and energy transition goals. She noted that the long-term success of the transition will depend on technicians, trainers, educators, innovators, and leaders who can sustain and expand the impact of renewable energy initiatives.
The programme also produced two comprehensive training curricula covering electric vehicle systems and solar PV-powered EV charging infrastructure. The books were handed over to BIT and will support future technical and vocational education programmes nationwide.
During an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), one of the graduates, Marion Glasgow, expressed how elated he is to have completed the “terrific” training session.
He said that due to his love for electric vehicles and after seeing the advertisement for the programme, he hopped on board with the training. According to him, the skills he gained will now be used in his professional space.
Meanwhile, Ayesha Bovell said the programme provided an opportunity to expand her understanding of vehicle electrical systems, an area she had not previously explored despite being a driver.
She noted that the knowledge gained will also benefit her professional career as a science teacher, allowing her to better educate students about renewable energy technologies, including solar panels.
Krishan Kempadoo also spoke with DPI, stating that the training was educational and informative. He believes that Guyana is advancing in the energy sector, and electric vehicles are in demand more than petroleum vehicles because of their many advantages.
Similarly, Bobby Samuels said he was passionate about his training and is heavily interested in technology. With the country transitioning to the gas-to-energy project, Samuels believes there will be more solar power across the region, which will accommodate electric vehicles.