The Ministry of Natural Resources has issued a call for Expressions of Interest (EoI) to join the Government as it undertakes the US$900M gas-to-energy project which is being done in partnership with ExxonMobil’s local affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL).
The expressions sought are for three components of the venture.
Guyana Standard understands that the government is open to joint participation with it and EEPGL to design or utilise the outputs from the Natural Gas Liquids/Liquefied Petroleum Gas (NGL/LPG) facility and its related facilities. These byproducts are typically used for cooking, fuel for motor vehicles, and other types of plants.
Secondly, Government is seeking partners for the design, construction, and financing of a power plant fueled by natural gas (NG) which will be coming through the pipeline from the Liza field.
Lastly, interested parties may also express interest in utilizing natural gas for “natural gas-driven developments and growth”.
The notice states, “For this initial phase, projects must have a maximum demand of 10 mmcfd [million cubic feet per day] with a preference for projects utilizing 1-5 mmscfd.”
All this is intended to occur at the Wales Development Zone (WDZ), where Government has designated for the landing of the pipeline.
The PPP/C Administration said that it made this decision after extensive evaluation. A project summary from the Environmental Protection (EPA) states that the evaluation included over 20 potential locations.
According to the notice, the Government requires applicants to show technical and financial capabilities, track record, profile and relevant information on the applicant or consortium. They would also have to produce a comprehensive business plan, including plans for local content.
They have until August 29 to apply.
The WDZ encompasses over 14,000 acres of land, with 1,300 acres set aside for heavy industries and gas-related investments.
The notice states that there will be a gas processing plant and NGL facility capable of processing at least 4,000 barrels a day, including the fractionation of LPG. It said the plant is intended to generate 150 MW, with a second phase which would add another 150 MW in capacity.
The Government also intends for there to be an industrial park comprising industries that can utilise steam, gas and/or electricity.
Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency and EEPGL are conducting 28 days of public consultations, for public input into the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the project. The Government requested this following EEPGL’s application requesting environmental authorization. Civil society, the media, and concerned citizens have been relentless in their quest for answers about the US$900M intended project. Persons turning into the consultations have expressed concerns about Exxon’s environmental record, and the harm a large fossil fuel project of this nature could cause to the environment.
The government has said it intends for the project to be fully operational in 2024. It has promised to facilitate a cut in electricity costs for Guyana, by at least 50 percent.
