FOSSIL fuels, in the form of petroleum, coal, or natural gas, have undoubtedly been the most used energy source in modern history. They have been used to produce the commodities in today’s world that most would consider basic needs.

Energy from fossil fuels provides us with electricity in our homes, fuel for transportation, and power in our production industries. Energy from fossil fuels is undoubtedly a demand, but just how much of this resource, hidden deep under the Earth’s surface, do we have left? The fact is, not a lot. Fossil fuels are becoming harder and harder to find and are considered a non-renewable resource. More so, this energy source has been associated with having a negative impact on the health of the environment and, more specifically, has significantly contributed to human-induced climate change.

It is no wonder that great effort is being made to utilise other sources of energy which, when compared to fossil fuels, have a minimal environmental impact. Such alternative energy sources are being obtained from the natural elements in the environment, such as the sun (solar), wind, water (hydropower), steam (geothermal), and even tidal action (wave).

The alternatives to fossil fuels all have one very important feature: they are all renewable energy sources. Renewable energy is far more beneficial for the environment than fossil fuels. Using renewable sources such as solar panels and wind turbines will lead to cost savings and a healthier environment and can be utilised both at the domestic and commercial levels.

In keeping with the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, Guyana is making significant strides to wean itself from the substantial use of fossil fuels by implementing renewable energy projects across the country in both the private and public sectors. The installation of solar panels on homes, especially in the interior regions such as Mahdia – Installation of 0.65 MW Solar Photovoltaic Grid-Connected System, Leguan – Installation of 0.6 MW Solar Photovoltaic Grid-Connected System, Bartica – Construction/Installation of a Solar Photovoltaic Grid-Connected System at Dogg Point are examples of government-funded projects. Hydropower projects include investment in the Amaila Falls Hydro-electric Project and Kato – Installation of 150 kW Micro Hydropower Plant.

Meanwhile, we can all make a conscious effort to conserve energy in our daily activities by better managing our electricity consumption in our homes and workplaces.
Here are some tips for energy conservation that we can easily adopt:

– Switch to using energy-saving bulbs;
– Purchase appliances with the Energy Star logo;
– Turn off and unplug appliances that are not being used;
– Collect rainwater for use;
– Open windows and make use of natural light.

These simple actions can certainly help you to contribute to protecting the environment, while reducing energy expenses.

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O Communications, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.