FACED with a rising increase in electricity demand and costs, many countries are seeking alternative sources of energy that are less expensive, greener, healthier and more sustainable.
Adding to this pressing issue is the rapid depletion of fossil fuels, which accounts for nearly 80 per cent of global energy consumption and the irreversible harm they cause to the environment and the world’s population when in use.
Led by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, Guyana recognises that it is uniquely positioned to utilise sustainable and renewable energy alternatives that can benefit its citizens and the world at the same time.

With great visionaries at the forefront, Guyana continues its laudable efforts to further contribute to the worldwide fight against climate change, and in so doing, solar energy has become a regular topic of conversation.
Within the last few years, Guyanese seem to have gravitated towards this, particularly when it comes to external lighting on their homes. Many persons prefer the option of solar-powered flood lights to illuminate their yards. This is a good choice, as not only is it cleaner energy, but they don’t have to be saddled with an increase in their electricity bills.

Simultaneously, more homeowners and business owners are utilising solar technology. Solar panels and solar-powered water heaters are becoming noticeable on the roofs of more and more buildings.
Persons are also using solar-powered fans, lanterns and cameras.

On the government’s end, more is being done to give remote villages access to electricity through this means. This is actually the most suitable option for such areas, given their location and the absence of supporting infrastructure.
Thousands of residents in communities such as De Veldt, Gateroy, and Fort Nassau in Region Ten, Kwebanna, Waramuri, Para and Huradiah in Region One, and along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway have benefitted from the government’s solar power programme.

To propel efforts and push towards sustainable, economically-friendly energy solutions, the Guyana Utility-Scale Solar Photovoltaic programme (GUYSOL) is being fully utilised, and is on target to complete the construction of solar farms at Linden, on the Essequibo Coast, and Berbice, which, in total, will have a generation capacity of 33MW. When completed, thousands of households are guaranteed a good supply of affordable, clean energy.

In line with the thinking of other countries that are successfully using solar energy, the abovementioned project aims to eliminate CO2 emissions with the development of solar PV generation plants, which would lower the cost of electricity generation while supporting the country’s transition towards renewable energy-based generation.

Recently, it was revealed by President Ali that the country’s solar energy installation has grown to 173 per cent since 2020, setting the stage for the achievement of the ambitious energy-transition goals.
The significant steps that have been made towards sustainable energy development in Guyana are commendable, and no effort should be spared to encourage more citizens to come onboard. In fact, the benefits are enormous, and should be used to guide our line of thinking, going forward.