The construction of the new Kumu hydropower plant, and upgrading of the Moco-Moco hydropower plant, are nearing completion and when fully operational, are expected to transform the lives of residents in the affected Region Nine communities.
A release yesterday from the Office of the Prime Minister informed that on Friday, Prime Minister (PM), Mark Phillips, who holds responsibility for the energy sector, visited Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) to inspect the progress of two major hydropower projects that are set to transform the region’s energy landscape. He was accompanied by Regional Chairman, Bryan Allicock; Chief Executive Officer, Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Dr Mahender Sharma; Chair of the GEA Board of Directors, Jerome Khan; and Chair of the Lethem Power Company Board, Rodger King.
During the visit, the PM received detailed briefings from the construction and engineering teams on the ground. The Kumu Hydropower Plant, with a capacity of 1.5 megawatts (MW), is approximately 78% complete, while the Moco-Moco Hydropower Plant, which is being upgraded to a capacity of 0.7 MW, is 95% complete.
The hydropower plants are being developed by Sri Lankan firm – Vidullanka PLC – under an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract valued at around US$12.85 million.
Both projects are expected to be fully operational by the end of 2024.
According to the release, the Kumu hydropower plant will supply power to the Kumu community and the Lethem power system, contributing to regional development and improving energy access. It is expected to produce about 9,700 megawatt-hours (MWh) annually and reduce power costs to the community.
Further, the Moco-Moco hydropower plant will serve the Moco-Moco community. Once completed, it will generate approximately 4,565 MWh annually. Originally commissioned in 1999, the plant was rendered inoperative following a landslide that damaged its infrastructure. Rehabilitation works are now nearly complete, with the final grid connection anticipated by October 2024.
The PM posited that the Kumu and Moco-Moco projects will play a vital role in meeting the country’s renewable energy targets, the release added.
