Preparations for joint EU/GOG hydro proceeding as planned
PREPARATORY works for the construction of a 330 kilowatts hydropower plant, at Chiung River Falls,  Kato, in Region 8 (Potaro/Siparuni), are proceeding as planned. This was disclosed by Mr. Horace Williams, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Hinterland Electrification Unit (HEU) in the Office of the Prime Minister.
He said the HEU has employed Mr. Sven Homscheid, a renowned hydropower engineer, as consulting supervisor for the European Union/Government of Guyana (EU/GOG) funded project.
Homscheid, a consultant with the Caribbean Renewable Energy Development Programme (CREDP) will begin work from June 1, to provide technical assistance for the invitation of tenders, development of terms of reference for contractors and evaluation of bids, among other tasks.
Homscheid’s initial assignment is intended to lead to the commencement of the mini hydro scheme in February 2013, for completion by 2015, Williams disclosed.
A public ceremony, involving the Government of Guyana and the Head of the local EU Delegation, is expected to officially inaugurate the joint venture.
Last January, the EU announced that it had approved the funding in keeping with a policy of promoting the use of sustainable, climate friendly energy.
In making the announcement, Head of the local EU Delegation, Ambassador Robert Kopecký remarked that the Kato undertaking embodies initiatives under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).
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He expressed the hope that similar sustainable energy usage could be employed, especially for the hinterland regions.
The total cost of the hydropower project, under the tenth European Development Fund (EDF) is pegged at 2,455,797 euros (approximately G$615M), with the EU contributing 1,841,848 euros (about G$460M) while the Guyana Government contributes 613,949 euros (equivalent to G$154M).
The system will comprise a 330 kilowatts micro-hydropower station with its primary energy source being the 36 metres head waterfall in the Chiung River in the vicinity of Kato Village.
It will provide sufficient generating capacity for electricity supply to a secondary school complex at Kato, to be constructed by the Ministry of Education and to existing government buildings, such as the nursery/primary schools, their dormitories, the guest house, the police outpost and medical facilities.
Government is expected to fast track the construction of the secondary school, which is forecast to be the main electricity consumer and, therefore, the basis for feasibility of the investment.
The network will also channel electricity to neighbouring Paramakatoi Village through a 16 kilometres transmission line and also facilitate commercial farming and agro-processing activities in the Kato/Paramakatoi area.