The Government’s US$2B Gas-to-Energy project has found an unlikely supporter in Jermaine Figueria, an Opposition Member of Parliament (MP). Figueria has come to the fore to praise the project for its potential to provide reliable energy and possibly put an end to blackouts.
In a letter to the editor published in various media outlets, Figueria highlighted the significance of the country’s natural gas. He stated that the use of these resources through the gas-to-energy project could be a game-changer for the country, offering a dependable and affordable energy source for domestic consumption and facilitating growth in various industries.
Figueria emphasized the project’s capacity to eliminate the country’s dependence on imported diesel and other fossil fuels, which are expensive and emit greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. He further added that one of the benefits of the gas-to-energy initiative is the provision of a reliable power supply, which could ultimately lead to an end to frequent blackouts. The MP also expressed that the project may ensure a steady, cost-effective, and hence, cheaper power supply for consumers.
Currently, Guyana relies heavily on diesel generators that often prove to be unreliable and costly, resulting in constant load shedding and energy cost fluctuations that have long hindered economic development, affecting small businesses, industries, and ordinary citizens.
Figueira’s position is in stark contrast to many of his colleagues in the opposition’s camp. Former Minister of Public Infrastructure, and AFC Executive Member, David Patterson, recently lambasted the government for “wasting” over US$450 million in power generation investments, claiming that the gas-to-shore project, would discard the multi-million dollar investments in power generation facilities across the country. He also alleged that most of the four generators located in Vreed-en-Hoop on the West Bank, Canefield in Berbice, Garden of Eden on the East Bank, and Kingston Georgetown have a useful lifespan of 25 years.
Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo was quick to dismiss these claims, clarifying that the investments would not be wasted, as the units would be used as reserves. He highlighted that the lack of reserves is a major cause of blackouts in Guyana and further noted that most utilities worldwide have 75% of their installed capacity as reserves. This ensures that in case of any issues with installed capacity, the reserves can be put on to provide backup power, preventing blackouts altogether. Jagdeo did mention that some countries have spinning reserves that keep running, but this comes at a high cost.
According to Figueira, the project holds many benefits for the country which ought not be dismissed. He wrote that if it is coupled with the inputs of the main opposition, civil society and the private sector, it can aid Guyana and its people to be a significant energy player in the region.
