…as country prepares to ‘go green’

ELECTRICAL inspectors, workers, students from technical institutes and other organisations were encouraged to follow correct practices while pursuing the “Green Economy” initiative at the 5TH Annual Electrical Conference yesterday.

The event, held at the Umana Yana under the theme ‘Embracing a Green Energy Sector to Power a Green Economy’, was hosted by the Government Electoral Inspectorate (GEI), which comes under the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.
It saw the attendance of organisations such as the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), and the Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC).

In delivering the feature address, Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Anette Ferguson established solar energy as Guyana’s future and called for an increased importance to be placed on eliminating ill electrical practices.
Ferguson said that the common notion that GPL is responsible for all homes destroyed by electrical fire is not always true as faulty electrical products sold by stores across the country continue to play a significant role.

“It has been reported that they are a number of persons going around the country, calling themselves electrical contractors, when they know they are not certified by the GEI. I want to admonish you that all electrical contractors must be certified,” she stated.
She further encouraged representatives from the electricity sector to be a part of Guyana’s “green” progressions by complying with the National Electrical Code (NEC) as well as the Electricity Sector Regulations Act.

“As we ‘Embrace a Green Energy Sector to Power a Green Economy’, I would like you to remember, that this initiative by your government is all inclusive. It means that you as electrical contractors, business owners and suppliers of electrical products must follow these standards,” Ferguson implored.

Providing an update for works conducted in 2017, she said that a total of 178.5 Kilowatts (kW) of new solar photovoltaic (PV) installations were completed enabling eight secondary schools, the National Library, the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), State House and other agencies to be solar powered.

Bartica too, she said, continues to progress towards becoming a “clean and green model town” as it recently opened its solar-powered West Indian Housing Scheme Park, a $31M project funded by the government.

She concluded: “As we can see, solar energy is really the future for Guyana. Your government will continue to invest more in solar energy to meet the demand of new technologies. I wish you a fruitful and successful conference.”

SAFETY IS KEY
Even as Guyana intends to move forward as a ‘Green State’ the government understands that ‘safety is key’ and, as such, GFS Fire Prevention Officer, Andrew Holder was invited to speak on fire hazards associated with solar-powered systems.
Holder said that the installation of solar-powered systems also known as photovoltaic (PV) systems brings about a new dimension of fire safety, firefighting and fire response for the fire service.

This is one of the main reasons the GFS discourages private home owners and contractors from attempting to extinguish PV fires without first contacting the fire department.
He revealed that when solar panels are exposed to sunlight, they cannot be turned off, and further explained: “In the event of an emergency situation, such as a flood, storm or a fire, solar panels continue to produce lethal amount of direct current (DC) voltage.”
Although the most standard means of extinguishing fires in Guyana is water, for solar panels, the GFS utilizes foam which is able to eliminate the risk of high voltages and this method was demonstrated by members of the GFS.

Speaking, too, was Chief Electrical Inspector of the Electrical Inspectorate Division, Arnold Barclay who said that this accomplishment of a safe electrical industry is not only the responsibility of the GEI but of other agencies, organizations and personnel.
Along with the support of the GFS, he listed the GNBS, insurance companies, manufacturing companies, utility companies and technical institutes as some of the entities whose participation would be required.

Meanwhile, Department of Environment Officer, Aretha Ford delivered a presentation on the government’s Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) intended to be the country’s long-term national development plan.

She said that the green economy rests on the three pillars of the economy, environment and society and shared Barclay’s stance that in order for Guyana to accomplish its goals, both its citizens and government needed to work together.
“’Going Green’ is not about a colour, it’s about a concept. The rest of the world is embracing a green economy and in order for Guyana to advance…we all need to get on board,” she said.

Ford later added: “The way we will get there is to have meaningful input into the GSDS, it’s to follow the GSDS once it’s crafted…Our development is something that is worth fighting for.”