PRIME Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips received an encouraging update on the Wakenaam Solar Project during a high-level meeting recently with key stakeholders from MASDAR, BSW Energy, Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) and the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) at his office on Camp Street.

The US$2.3M initiative, which is part of the UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund (UAE-CREF), is set to transform energy access on the island of Wakenaam.
During the meeting, discussions centred on the project’s progress, and its expected completion date.

Project Manager for MASDAR under the UAE-CREF, Mr. Oliver Broughton reported that the 750-kilowatt solar-powered grid-forming system is on track to be completed by December 2024.
In brief remarks, Prime Minister Phillips said that he was pleased with the progress of the project. “It’s more than just an energy project; it’s a promise of progress, sustainability, and improved quality of life for our citizens.”
The Wakenaam Solar Project is expected to significantly boost the island’s energy generation capacity, complemented by planned upgrades to the existing power plant. This initiative underscores the Government of Guyana’s dedication to providing clean energy, which plays a pivotal role in Guyana’s energy transformation and long-term sustainability goals.

Along with Mr. Broughton, representatives of BSW Energy, Mr. Miguel Themer and Mr. Roque Bocius; CEO of the GEA Dr. Mahender Sharma; Acting CEO of GPL Mr. Kesh Nandlall, and GPL’s Divisional Director of Engineering Services Mr. Ryan Ross were also at the meeting.