Press Releases

 Towards the sustainable development of Guyana's Energy Sector, and particularly the reduction of Guyana's dependence on fossil fuels for electricity supply, and with a renewed focus on renewable energy, the Government/MPI has embarked on a number of initiatives:

1. National Energy Policy and Implementation Plan.

The MPI, with the support of the CARICOM-German Government Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technical Assistance (REETA), is about to commence the process, not only of updating of the Guyana Energy Policy1994, but also agreeing on an Implementation Plan to achieve the said policy objectives. The process, which is expected to commence in April, 2016, will be consultative, involving the key stakeholders of the Government and Private Sector (Steering Committee already established), and is intended to result in clear policy guidelines with the supporting institutional, legal and investment framework to achieve the policy objectives.

2. Developing a Hydropower Development Plan.

The MPI has engaged REETA for technical support in developing a hydropower action plan and is awaiting a response. Notwithstanding, the MPI and the GEA has commenced preliminary works in identifying hydropower sources to match demand, and examining opportunities for financing of micro and pico hydropower developments for hinterland electrification.

3. Study of Guyana's Power Generation System Expansion

(i) Update the future electricity demand scenarios of Guyana, particularly the Demerara-Berbice interconnection system and the Linden area; (2) Identify the best least cost options for meeting the said demand scenarios taking into account geographical locations and future world prospective of fossil fuels prices; (3) Provide a preliminary socio-environmental impact and risk analysis of the issues associated with the candidate generation technologies; (4) Provide an analysis of the current regulation in order to reach regulatory policy recommendations to foster renewable energy generation technologies and Energy Efficiency measures". The study will consider the following five high capacity hydroelectric projects, representative of the "dispatchable" hydroelectric technology that could be developed in Guyana, to start the commissioning by 2021 to supply DBIS power demand: 1. Kamaria 2. Tiger Hill 3. Tumatumari 4. Kumarau 5. Amaila A Draft First Report of the study has since been submitted for Government's review.

4. Current initiatives for RE Development

1. 26 MW Windfarm at the Hope Beach This project is currently under consideration among the MPI, GRA and the GPL. Technical support through REETA is expected by the end of March for a detail examination of the proposal, and to provide transactional advice to the Government in its deliberations. To compliment this development, a grid integration/stability study and GPL grid code study is also being considered. 2. Bartica 1.5 MW Solar PV Grid connected system Consistent with Government's plans to 'Green Bartica,' the MPI has advertised locally and internationally a 'Request for Proposals' for a 1.5 MW solar PV system to connect to the GPL grid in Bartica under a BOOT arrangement. The system is expected to have 15 minutes of storage capacity for grid stability purposes. The RFP will close on today February 29, 2016. 3. Rehabilitation of Moco Moco Hydropower Plant (o.5 MW) E0Is are invited from the local and international community for the rehabilitation of the subject Plant under a Design & Build contract or a PPA arrangement with an IPP. 4. Solar PV Grid systems totaling 6.9 MW to connect to the power grids of GPL (BMW), Lethem (o.8MW), Port Kaituma(0.4MW), Mabaruma (0.4MW) and Mandia (0.3MW) The MPI has applied to the IRENA/ADFD facility for 50% concessional financing of the cost of the project which cost is estimated at US$21M. These projects are all expected to reduce the respective utilities' reliance on diesel fuel for power supply, improve energy security in the regions and create new employment opportunities.

5. Sustainable Enersw Program for Guyana,

This programme is being funded by the Global Energy Facility in collaboration with the IDB. The following projects are planned. For 2016: 1. Installation of grid-connected solar PV systems on the following buildings as a demonstration project: (i) Ministry of Public Infrastructure (ii) Ministry of Agriculture (iii) Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (iv) Georgetown Technical Institute (v) Queen's College (vi) St. Roses High School (vii) St. Joseph's High School 2. Installation of solar PV systems with micro-grids to supply community buildings with electricity in 20 to 25 hinterland communities. The electricity supply will enhance the delivery of social services and support productive/livelihood activities. For 2017 3. Strengthening of the policy and institutional framework to implement renewable energy technologies (RETs) in Guyana. For 2018 5. Re-development of the Tumatumari Hydropower scheme with a private partner. The first-phase output will be 1.5 MW with provisions for further development to 3 MW.