THE Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana is examining a number of options to fuel Guyana’s development in line with its commitment to a green economy.A recent study found that Guyana can finance its energy plan for under US$1B for a 20-year period from 2016-2035.

As of December 2015, the total power-generation capacity was 181.8 megawatts (MW) with 123.8 MW distributed in Demerara and 58.0 MW distributed in Berbice.

The electricity demand forecast for the Demerara Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS), as well as the interconnection of Linden, electricity demand in DBIS is expected to experience significant growth, with a two-fold increase in electricity consumption estimated for the next ten years.

Projected growth puts demand at 304 megawatts by the year 2035, including Linden interconnection in 2021.

It has long been recognised that Guyana has significant hydroelectric potential that has been estimated at 8,400 megawatts. Kamaria, Tiger Hill, Tumatumari, Kumarau and Amaila are all possible sites that can be developed and which the Government is examining.

It is estimated that an optimal expansion programme would cost below US$1 billion and this would include the development of a mid-size hydroelectric power plant and other green technologies.

Recently the Government has undertaken a number of initiatives to provide the policy, regulatory and technical frameworks for the development of wind energy in keeping with international standards.

This includes a US$50M-plus 26MW of wind energy generation capacity project from 2017.

The Skeldon co-generating plant that had capacity to produce 20MW of energy per hour was sold by the previous administration for US$30M.

The coalition Government has given its commitment to pursue a developmental path that is aligned to safeguarding the environment through the use of green energy at the same time providing a reliable supply of energy.