SOLAR energy forms an integral part of any country’s plan in addressing alternative energy. Where Guyana is pursuing a Green Economy, as a matter of its primary developmental thrust, whenever a business or individual switches to this form of energy, such act takes the country closer to the goal.Alternative energy, such as solar, plays a significant role in protecting the environment. This is so given that it replaces consumption of fossil fuel which gives off emissions, which has been scientifically proven to be harmful to the environment. As consumption of fossil is reduced, the air we breathe becomes healthier and will help in enhancing the health of citizens and nations.
According to the watchdog Union of Concerned Scientists in its 2011 Report (which was revised November 2014), Guyana is among the 20% of the “rest of the world” where each country’s share of total carbon dioxide emission comes from energy consumption. The top emitters are China at 27%, United States 17%, Russia 5%, India 5% and Japan 4%. Specifically to Guyana, according to the World Resources Institute as at 31st December 2012, our Greenhouse Gas Emissions, excluding land-use change and forestry, is recorded at 3.60. When it includes land-use change and forestry, Guyana records 7.64.
As a signatory to the United Nations Climate Agreement which came into effect on 5th January, coming with this is a responsibility to help meet the international timetable goals for reducing emissions. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) also has its own Energy Thrust which Guyana has helped to shape and has a responsibility to bring to fruition.
This year’s National Budget commits to granting concessions to those desirous of benefitting from alternative-energy technology. This opportunity not only helps in harnessing the natural energy at our disposal, but also creates a more reliable source of energy than presently obtains. Further, such pursuit would realise reduction of overhead expenses overtime, new opportunities for employment and economic opportunities, and Guyana elevating its image as a credible nation among members-states, regional and extra-regional.
The government has set itself a lofty goal– but not unachievable — that by 2025 the country will achieve renewable energy and energy-efficiency status. With eight years remaining to achieve this goal, and in the midst of evident public delight with reported fossil fuel finds, such aspiration may not be taken lightly, which may require a refocusing of interests and energies.
While government has targeted for special attention areas to be retrofitted, where businesses and private citizens are following suit they are deserving of commendation, even as all efforts must be made to encourage others. Last Friday,the Nand Persaud Group of Companies went fully solar when it commissioned a $110m system at its Tain, Corentyne, call centre. The Demerara Bank, Camp Street headquarters, was fully converted last November.
Last year January, a team from Toronto, Canada, met with ministers of the government seeking to explore opportunities to establish a solar farm, with the aim of working in tandem with the Guyana Power and Light to augment our electricity supply. Though the present status of this engagement has not been made public, when citizens continue to suffer from daily outages, realisation of such a project would be looked forward to with much anticipation. This year, Government sets its sight on constructing Guyana’s first solar farm at Mabaruma in the North West District. Four acres of land have been identified for an ambitious 400-megawatt project, which, when it becomes operational, would afford an additional 17 hours of electricity to the 3,000 residents.
The Demerara Bank in addition to going green, is providing support for others to do likewise. Though in our society — where there can be little dispute — habits are hard to change and the full appreciation of alternative energy is yet to be grappled with, this bank is helping the process of changing behaviour by making funding available at reasonable cost.
At the eight percent interest rate, the impetus is there to act. Retrofitting homes and other buildings creates new types of jobs and other economic opportunities, direct and indirect. For home owners, opportunities are presented to opt for going fully solar or creating a hybrid system. The possibilities for using alternative energy are limitless and Guyanese are being encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities.