Solar outdoor lighting can play a critical role in building sustainable communities

Dear Editor,
Investing in an energy-efficient street lighting system can be a game-changer for Kwakwani and outlying communities.
On one hand, switching to modern street lighting schemes based on light-emitting diode (LED) technology presents an opportunity for Kwakwani Utilities Inc and PPP/C Governments to lower energy consumption, operation and maintenance costs, while reducing the overall carbon footprint.
Solar street lighting technology has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, and is fully aligned with the goals of our Government’s clean energy and economic stimulus initiatives. Just 15 streetlights can save enough electricity to power a home for a year, these street lights’ digital technology can be connected to sensors and be controlled remotely, enabling forward-thinking municipalities and communities to leapfrog to solar and reap the benefits of the digital age.
At the same time, reliable, bright street lighting can have a range of socio-economic benefits: well-lit streets make people feel safe and reduce accidents, while economic and social activities are boosted after sunset.
Given these benefits, switching from outdated systems to modern technology is a win-win solution for many communities.
Solar outdoor lighting can play a critical role in building sustainable communities. Sustainability isn’t just about being “green,” it involves economic, social, and environmental considerations. The advantages of solar street lights are that they improve community sustainability because they can create social change, they’re financially smart, and they’re good for people and the planet.
As the cost of electricity continues to climb, Kwakwani Utilities Inc and the KNDC must collaborate and seek new ways to enhance green energy in sub-region #2. Using solar commercial lighting not only reduces the monthly utility fuel cost, but also avoids compounding future expenses for aging infrastructure repairs. And with an installation cost that’s comparable to on-grid AC lighting, solar lighting improves community infrastructure while also offering long-term economic savings.
Solar lighting uses renewable energy instead of fossil fuels, which can be appealing to our communities with a desire or initiative to be more sustainable. Since running of electrical wiring isn’t required, solar outdoor lighting also avoids environmental disruption during installation and maintenance, also making lighting possible in environmentally sensitive areas. Street-lighting is important. It allows informal vendors and traders to operate for longer hours, and improves road and public safety. It also makes streets feel safer and more secure, especially for women.
But street-lighting is sorely lacking in many areas. Faced with multiple pressing challenges and very limited budgets, street lighting is rarely a priority.
Even when there’s political will, there are major barriers to implementing conventional street-lighting. Many areas have large areas of informal settlements which aren’t connected to the national grid. The upfront costs of grid connectivity and street light infrastructure – like poles, lamps and pavements – are huge. However, the solution may lie instead with solar lighting.
KUI Inc, with Government’s intervention, is committed to correcting these challenges with the installation of street lights in those areas.
This is another step Kwakwani Utilities Inc has taken in advancing our Government’s Low Carbon Development pathway in the shift towards clean and renewable energy.
Energy generation of Kwakwani Utilities Inc is largely fossil fuel-based, coming from a generator plant utilising diesel fuel oil. The cost of electricity is approximately US$0.32 per KWH. This high cost of electricity continues to affect operating performance.
Renewable energy is a suitable solution which can address these challenges, especially micro-grids for outlying communities, communities’ playground and Government outdoor compound.
The PPP/C administration promises to reduce the cost of power and provide reliable electricity. The intention to reduce energy costs joined with renewable energy presents significant opportunities for all communities as the PPP/C Government complements this strategy with the development of renewable energy sources to sustain its growing energy demand. Historically, Guyana has been reliant on diesel and heavy fuel oil to power its economy, which not only emit more carbon emissions, but are also more expensive. By developing its wind resources along the Atlantic shoreline, installing solar panels in the hinterland, and developing a large-scale hydro project, Guyana will “green” its grid. Our Government will also capitalise on the large offshore gas discoveries by developing a gas-to-shore plant that produces cheaper and cleaner power that can be dispatched quickly to back up renewable energy.

Sincerely,
David Adams