In an effort to reduce the instability of power distribution to consumers, the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) replaced 118 inefficient transformers in the first half of the year. GPL also plans to replace an additional 171 transformers before the year’s end. These efforts by the state-owned enterprise were outlined in Government’s Mid-Year Report.
The document also notes that works are ongoing by GPL to distribute electricity from the new Georgetown substation to Eccles. In total, the report states that 50 km of network is being constructed for new and extended distribution feeders by fourth quarter.
Government was also keen to provide a status update on its other projects which are geared towards modernizing the country’s power supply systems. With respect to the gas-to-energy project in the Wales Development Zone, the administration shared that $9.6 billion was expended in the first half of the year of the $43.3 billion budgeted. This included outlays related to the development of the material offloading facility, the heavy haul road and preparatory works at the 100-acre site to prepare for the power plant and the integrated natural gas facilities.
In tandem with Government’s clean energy objectives, a 1.5 megawatt (MW) solar farm in Bartica was commissioned in the first half of 2023. At maximum capacity, this solar farm is expected to supply 1,988 MWh to the grid, reducing the consumption of annual diesel by 714,648 litres. This solar farm also forms part of the wider initiative aimed to add 3.75MWp of renewable electricity to Lethem, Bartica, Mahdia and Leguan.
In the first half of 2023, Guyana Standard understands that 12,000 solar home energy PV units were manufactured and are expected to be delivered to Guyana in the third quarter for distribution. These solar energy home units are considered an effective means of providing electricity at an individual level to the dispersed household in the hinterland area, thereby providing sustainable lighting to hinterland homes.
With the efforts of GPL complemented by other government-led initiatives, the nation can certainly look forward to a brighter and more energy-efficient future.
