The importance of solar farms in Guyana cannot be overstated. As a nation gifted with hundreds of thousands of square kilometres of land and an average daily insolation that far exceeds the global average, Guyana possesses a renewable energy resource waiting to be fully tapped. Solar farms harness this potential by converting sunlight into electricity through photovoltaic panels, offering a clean and inexhaustible alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based power generation.
We noted an article published in the local press which states that solar farms are to add 18MW to the national grid by January 2026.
According to the article, 50 women are expected to receive jobs on the five solar farms that are expected to be established in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice). The solar farms are expected to produce 35 megawatts of solar power, with the first 18 megawatts to become available by January 2026.
The Government, through Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL), has already acquired the land in the respective regions. The solar farms will be constructed by Chinese state-owned conglomerate SUMEC Co Ltd, the article has said.
The adoption and expansion of solar farms, even though not on a major level, as the correct approach to energy production, not only promises to reshape Guyana’s energy landscape, but also holds the key to fostering sustainable development and global environmental stewardship.
One of the primary advantages of solar farms lies in their environmental impact. Unlike coal or oil-fired power plants, solar farms produce electricity without emitting greenhouse gases or other pollutants that contribute to climate change and air pollution. In a world increasingly focused on reducing carbon footprints and mitigating environmental degradation, Guyana has positioned itself as a regional and global leader in sustainable energy practices.
Moreover, the development of solar farms in Guyana aligns with broader economic imperatives. By investing in renewable energy infrastructure, the nation can continue diversify its energy mix. This adds to Guyana’s transformative gas-to-energy project, which would use the gas previously flared or left untapped to generate electricity.
This diversification not only stabilises energy costs over the long term, but also creates new job opportunities in construction, maintenance, and research within the renewable energy sector.
Coming back to the issue of solar farms, they have the potential to catalyse rural development in Guyana. The deployment of solar installations in remote and underserved regions can extend access to electricity, thereby improving quality of life, supporting education and healthcare services, and fostering economic growth at the grassroots level. This democratisation of energy access is not just a matter of convenience, but a cornerstone of equitable development.
However, the realization of Guyana’s solar potential requires a concerted effort from both public and private sectors. Already, Government has put in place measures that incentivise renewable energy investments. Simultaneously, private sector involvement through partnerships and investments can accelerate the deployment of solar technologies and drive down costs, making renewable energy more accessible to all.
As Guyana looks towards a future that balances economic growth with environmental stewardship, the importance of solar farms cannot be overstated. By harnessing abundant solar resources, we can reduce our carbon footprint, enhance energy security, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for our citizens.
We reiterate Prime Minister Mark Phillips’s words, which he had said at the commissioning of two solar mini-photovoltaic (PV) farms: “One of the things we promised to do is to bridge the energy divide, and what we are doing today is implementing another project that will ensure that. No longer will the people on the coastline only get the benefits of good energy supply, but today and onwards, the people in the hinterland and in the riverine areas will also benefit.”
Embracing solar energy is not just an option, but a strategic imperative.
