Prime Minister Mark Phillips, in an address to the 53rd Meeting of Ministers of the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE) in Montevideo, Uruguay, said that Guyana’s energy diversification plan is in keeping with its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 objectives.
According to a press release from the Office of the Prime Minister, Phillips added that this seeks to deliver greater economic and social development through economic transformation under a low-carbon development path while addressing issues associated with climate change.
The retired brigadier, who holds responsibility for the country’s energy sector, told the gathering that his government “is committed towards achieving a low carbon economy and advancing the transition to renewable energy development which will remain at the forefront of national priority”, the release said. It added that Phillips asserted that renewable resources from the gas industry will also play a crucial role in diversifying the nation’s economy to ensure energy, food, and climate security. “We are advancing a diversified energy supply matrix to cater for Guyana’s current energy needs and the rapid growth in demand anticipated in the medium and long term,” the release quoted him as saying.
It said the Prime Minister noted that the matrix incorporates hydropower, natural gas, solar, and wind resources, adding 500 MW of new capacity for residential and commercial users. Among the key policies outlined were a 300 MW gas plant, national grid upgrade, Amaila Falls Hydroelectric project completion, and investments in solar and wind systems. He noted progress in reviving the 165 MW Amaila Falls Project with new proposals and funding from the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund for solar farms amounting to 33 MW under the GUYSOL programme, the release said..
It shed light on the government’s commitment to delivering clean, renewable power to hinterland regions, which include 19 solar PV-powered mini-grids that will benefit 3,880 households and over 20,000 individuals. These mini-grids will contribute to essential social, healthcare, and education facilities’ electrification raising the nation’s overall installed solar capacity to more than 13 MW. A large-scale electrification project providing some 30,000 Solar PV Home Energy Systems for remote areas which aims to introduce renewable electricity to previously unserved homes, benefiting an estimated 136,863 individuals in 245 communities was also highlighted.
The release said Phillips explained that Guyana also remains committed to energy integration and cooperation initiatives with neighbouring states, pointing to the regional energy collaboration between Guyana, Suriname, Brazil, and French Guiana. The five-day OLADE meeting lasted from November 6-10.
