World Bank reviews progress of US$38.6M green-energy buildings project in Guyana

The World Bank has completed a hybrid implementation review and support mission for the Caribbean Efficient and Green-Energy Buildings (CEGEB) Project in Guyana, assessing progress and providing technical guidance on ongoing activities.
According to a press release on Tuesday, the mission was conducted from January 12 to 14, 2026, as part of the World Bank’s oversight of the regional CEGEB Project, which is being implemented in Guyana, Saint Lucia and Grenada. The initiative supports energy efficiency and renewable energy investments in public sector infrastructure through harmonised technical standards and pooled procurement arrangements.
In Guyana, the project targets 259 Government buildings across Regions Three, Four, Five, Six and Ten. It aims to install 21.2 megawatts of renewable energy capacity and generate an estimated 51 gigawatt-hours of lifetime energy savings through energy efficiency measures. The project also includes components focused on institutional strengthening and skills development.
Guyana’s participation in the CEGEB Project is supported by the World Bank and financed through the International Development Association (IDA), with a total investment of US$38.6 million. Of this amount, US$33.8 million is allocated for public building retrofits and renewable energy investments, US$1 million for technical assistance and capacity building, and US$3.78 million for project management and implementation support. The latter includes operational support, supervisory and commissioning consultancy services, and a two-year training programme for 20 female electrical apprentices.
During the mission, the World Bank team reviewed progress across technical, fiduciary and safeguards areas, with emphasis on coordination at both the national and regional levels. Discussions covered procurement processes, financial management, environmental and social risk management, and gender-related activities.
The mission also examined plans for scaling up the project, including a review of a proposed list of public facilities identified for the next phase of building energy audits. In addition, the team assessed utility-focused technical assistance activities aimed at supporting Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) to improve system efficiency and readiness for greater integration of renewable energy.
Additionally, discussions highlighted the need for a solid waste management strategy to address waste streams associated with renewable energy and energy efficiency interventions, including batteries, end-of-life solar photovoltaic components and electrical equipment, in line with environmental and social safeguards requirements.
As part of the review, site visits were conducted at several facilities identified under the project. These included De Willem Secondary School, Zeeburg Secondary School, and the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission facility in Crane. The visits were used to assess building conditions and readiness for planned energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades.
Progress under the investment-grade audit (IGA) programme was also reviewed. The first batch of IGAs, covering 13 public buildings, was completed between March and September 2025 by AIGUASOL Consulting, SCCL. Preparations are ongoing for a second batch of IGAs, which will cover an additional 17 buildings and are proposed to be carried out between February and August 2026.
The mission also reviewed activities related to human capital development and gender inclusion. This included a visit to the facility hosting participants in the Female Apprenticeship Programme, which is financed by the Canada Clean Energy and Forest Climate Facility, with additional support from the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program. The programme, implemented by the Board of Industrial Training, was launched in March 2025 and has completed its first academic year. Participants are now moving toward internships and certification in electrical installation and solar photovoltaic technologies.
The World Bank mission was led by a task team comprising specialists in energy, procurement, financial management, and environmental and social safeguards. It concluded with engagements at the Office of the Prime Minister, followed by a wrap-up meeting involving the Guyana Energy Agency, the Ministry of Finance and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Commission, which serves as the regional counterpart for pooled procurement.