THE recent reaffirmation by Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo that the Amaila Falls Hydropower project remains a priority for the Guyanese government is a crucial and welcome step in addressing the nation’s energy challenges. With its immense potential to generate 165 megawatts of renewable energy, the Amaila Falls project is not just a development initiative—it is a cornerstone of Guyana’s path toward a sustainable and diversified energy future.

For too long, Guyana has been plagued by energy shortages and high electricity costs. The promise of hydropower, especially in a country blessed with vast natural water resources, offers a transformative solution. The revival of this project is necessary, not only to meet growing energy demands but also to enhance the country’s energy mix, which is currently dependent on fossil fuels. With global concerns over climate change and a strong push for greener, more sustainable energy sources, this project could place Guyana on the map as a regional leader in renewable energy.

The history of the Amaila Falls Hydropower project is a story of missed opportunities. Initially tabled in 2013 under a previous PPP/C administration, the project was derailed by political opposition. The one-seat majority in the National Assembly, wielded by APNU and AFC, halted the project at a critical juncture, preventing the country from realising long-term benefits from the US$80 million allocated through the Guyana-Norway partnership. That decision set back the country’s energy progress for nearly a decade. Today, with the government’s renewed focus on restarting the project, the stakes are high, and the potential rewards are even greater.

It is encouraging to see the government taking the necessary steps to move the project forward, including the evaluation of tenders from international companies. With entities from Brazil and China already in the running, the administration is clearly committed to ensuring that the best expertise and resources are harnessed for this undertaking. However, as Dr. Jagdeo pointed out, more policy time and attention need to be dedicated to this project to ensure it does not stall again.

What is equally important is that the Amaila Falls Hydropower project is part of a broader strategy to secure energy stability for Guyana. The government’s efforts to build solar farms across multiple regions, as well as its Gas-to-Shore Energy project, demonstrate a comprehensive approach to expanding Guyana’s energy infrastructure. These initiatives, when combined, hold the promise of meeting the country’s energy needs and ensuring a stable supply for generations to come.

International voices are also rallying behind the project. Erik Solheim, former Minister of Climate and the Environment of Norway, recently expressed his optimism about Guyana’s hydropower potential, calling it “untapped” and critical for the country’s future. Solheim’s insights, grounded in his years of experience with international environmental policy, underscore the global significance of Guyana’s hydropower capabilities.

The reality is simple: hydropower is one of the most reliable forms of renewable energy. Unlike solar and wind, which are intermittent, hydropower can provide a consistent and stable source of electricity. As Solheim rightly pointed out, hydropower acts as the “battery” for solar and wind energy, balancing out their inconsistencies and ensuring a constant supply of power.

The path ahead for the Amaila Falls Hydropower project is clear, but not without obstacles. Political will, policy focus, and international partnerships must remain strong to see it through to completion. The potential for this project to shape Guyana’s future is undeniable, and the time to act is now.
In a world where energy security and environmental sustainability are increasingly intertwined, Guyana has the opportunity to lead by example. The Amaila Falls Hydropower project is not just a symbol of progress—it is a necessity for the country’s development. For the sake of Guyana’s future, the government must ensure that this project becomes a reality.