Prime Minister Mark Phillips and officials and children of Moco Moco Village commissioned the 0.7 MW Hydropower Station on Friday
Several communities in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) are slated to benefit from enhanced electricity supply with the commissioning of the 0.7-megawatt (MW) Moco Moco Hydropower Station on Friday.
In addition to Moco Moco, this hydro plant is expected to power surrounding villages such as St Ignatius, Kumu, and the Township of Lethem – providing clean and reliable energy.
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, along with several key Government officials including Local and Regional Development, Sonia Parag, Amerindian Affaairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai, and representatives from the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) joined Regional Chairman Bryan Allicock, Lethem Mayor John Macedo, Toshao of Moco-Moco James George, and officials from Lethem Power Company Inc. (LPCI) as well as residents to commission the hydro plant.
In his address, Prime Minister Phillips emphasised the promising potential of renewable energy to stimulate innovation and improve the longevity of villages’ electrical systems. He highlighted that strategic partnerships with companies could open doors for significant investments, utilising the generation of the 0.7 megawatts of power from Moco Moco Creek.
Inside the new Moco Moco Hydropower Station
Meanwhile, Sukhai spoke of the importance of a green economy, stressing its cost-effectiveness for local communities and the positive impact on the region.
Originally commissioned in 1999, the Moco Moco Hydropower Plant was rendered inoperative following a landslide that damaged its infrastructure. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration undertook to have the hydro plant rehabilitated and upgraded to a capacity of 0.7 MW.
In 2022, Sri Lankan firm – Vidullanka PLC – was awarded an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract valued at around US$12.85 million to develop both the Moco Moco Hydropower Plant and the 1.5MW Kumu Hydropower Plant.
The Moco Moco Hydropower Plant Station, which was co-funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), is expected to generate approximately 4,565 MWh annually.
According to a statement from the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, this project supports the Guyana Government’s vision for Sustainable Development. It aims to harness local energy resources, promoting a cleaner and greener environment through hydroelectric power.
Friday’s commissioning of the hydro plant aligns with the PPP/C Administration’s 2020 Manifesto plan and is a key component of the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which ensures the efficient use of resources while advancing environmental sustainability.
Moreover, the hydropower plant is expected to significantly boost the region’s economy while reinforcing Guyana’s commitment to a greener and more sustainable future. The initiative highlights the Government’s focus on renewable energy as a crucial part of the nation’s long-term development goals.
Meanwhile, key to the success of the hydro plant station were several young women from Moco Moco Village, who had played key roles in bringing this project to fruition.
Karen Milliano, who obtained a Certificate in Engineering in the Operation Room, along with her assistants – Arian Milliano, Lucy and Joycelyn, worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that the hydro plant is operating effectively, efficiently, and sustainably
“As we continue to make strides toward a more sustainable, innovative, and inclusive future, we must recognise the significant contributions of [these] women who are shaping the energy landscape, particularly in sectors like hydro power,” the Village said in a post on its Facebook page.
Hydropower, often referred to as the backbone of renewable energy, has been a cornerstone of the global push for clean energy solutions. With its ability to provide reliable, low-carbon electricity, hydropower plants play a crucial role in addressing the challenges of climate change and energy security. (G8)
