Kumu, Moco Moco hydropower projects to be completed by year end

– Mahdia solar farm for commissioning in 2024

Works are well advanced on the US$12.8 million Kumu and Moco Moco hydropower projects in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), with the projects expected to be completed by year-end.
To ensure that hinterland communities are provided with reliable electricity, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government has been implementing hydropower and solar energy projects. These projects include the Kumu and Moco Moco hydropower projects in Region Nine.
According to the 2024 Mid-Year report, work progressed rapidly on these projects in the first half of the year. These two projects, 1.5 Mega Watts and 0.72 Mega Watts respectively, are expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2024.
However, a 0.65-megawatt solar farm being built in Mahdia was also substantially completed. This project is also expected to be commissioned later this year. Additionally, works for three solar farms will advance later this year, namely a 10 MW solar farm in Berbice, an 8 MW solar farm in Essequibo and a 0.6 MW solar farm at Leguan.
The government meanwhile also reported it has distributed a total of 3,101 solar energy home systems in the first half of the year to households not connected to the national grid, including in riverain communities.

“A total of 3,101 solar energy home systems were distributed in the first half of the year to support households in the off-grid and riverain communities. It is expected that 501 more will be delivered to Chenapao, Karisparu, Tuseneng, Maikwak and Cashew Island by the end of the year,” the report states.
Prime Minister, retired Brigadier Mark Phillips, who has oversight of the energy sector, visited the projects at Kumu and Moco Moco last year. During his visit, Phillips had observed their importance to Region Nine’s energy landscape. These projects form part of the Government’s commitment to fostering energy security and reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuels.
During his visit, the Prime Minister stressed that the projects would open avenues for advancement in the tourism and business sectors as the Government continues to invest in the vision of Region Nine becoming a hub for economic activity.
“You’re going to harness the energy and you’re going to become producers and sell your goods. Market this place, tourists will come and you will earn money. That is what I want, and that is why we are here,” he had declared.
“Work with us…the people, the Government at all levels…can work hand-in-hand, and we’re going to improve how we do things in Guyana,” the Prime Minister emphasized, adding that the Government will continue to provide projects and programmes to train people how to utilize all the resources to improve their lives.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister only recently commissioned two solar PV mini-grid systems at Karaburi and Haimacabra in the Moruca Sub-district, Region One (Barima-Waini). At the commissioning, the significance of the projects in enhancing the quality of life and fostering sustainable development in the remote hinterland communities was highlighted.
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.
To date, the Guyana Government has injected substantial funding and done significant work, through the GEA, on building solar mini and micro farms, as well as delivering 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.