THOUGH Guyana has the capacity to produce energy by way of a variety of sources, be it water, the sun, biomass or wind, the local energy sector is poised for transformation with the development of hydro-electricity, which promises a more reliable, cost-effective and renewable form of energy.That’s according to Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, who made the disclosure in a message to mark Energy Week 2015, which was observed from November 8 – 14.
Energy, he said, is integral to a country’s economic growth and development, as it supports diverse economic activities, such as transportation, agriculture and manufacturing, all of which undoubtedly are key sectors of development.
As such, as of November 10, there was documented installation of more than 1MW of solar photo-voltaic systems across Guyana, with an estimated annual production of 2 GWh.
Many of these systems, the Minister said, were installed under the Hinterland Electrification Programme. He also said there has been development of solar grid-tie applications and distribution of 507 solar cooking stoves to hinterland communities.
He said electricity in these remote riverine villages advances socio-economic benefits through small businesses, health facilities and education.
Patterson noted that support will also be given to solar photovoltaic and wind resource development, using grid-tie and off-grid applications.
Options for inter-connecting renewable energy generators to the grid will be reviewed and explored towards the implementation of grid-tied systems and net-metering platform, he said.

NEW CLIMATE PACT
Minister Patterson said Guyana has maintained its stance on energy and sustainable development issues, and has been preparing for participation at the UN-led climate conference in Paris in December 2015, which is set to deliver a new universal climate change agreement.
The new agreement is aimed at putting the world firmly on track to a low-carbon, sustainable future that keeps a global temperature rise under 2 degrees C.
“Guyana’s efforts in sustainable development,” he said, “are in accordance with its energy policy, which has the objectives of providing a stable, reliable and economic supply of energy; reducing dependency on imported fuels; promoting, where possible, the increased utilisation of domestic resources; and ensuring energy is used in an environmentally-sound and sustainable manner.”
Regarding the energy efficiency initiative, he said legislation has been amended to remove duty and tax barriers to the importation of renewable energy equipment, compact fluorescent lamps and LED lamps, and to incentivise and motivate energy-efficient behaviour.
Coupled with public education and awareness programmes, consumers are encouraged to reduce their energy consumption.
More to be done
While these achievements are not without their challenges, Minister Patterson said there is still additional work to be done to strengthen the country’s energy security.
As a low-lying state, Guyana is vulnerable to the impacts of rising temperatures stemming from increased greenhouse-gas emissions.
Also, the threat of climate change is very real, and we are compelled to take action by switching to alternative sources of energy, Patterson said.
“The other pillar of sustainable energy, energy efficiency, is equally important, given that minor behavioural changes can lead to improved efficiency, less wastage, and significant reduction in energy consumption. A small shift in demand, based on increased energy efficiency, can lead to savings of millions of dollars in the country’s oil import bill,” he stressed.
Previously observed in Guyana in the 1980s, this year marks the fifth staging of CARICOM Energy Week, highlighting Guyana’s continued commitment to ensuring that stable, reliable and affordable energy is provided to all persons in Guyana, within an economically, environmentally and socially sustainable framework, Minister Patterson stated.

By Rabindra Rooplall