–highlights clean energy, infrastructure expansion at Energy Expo

WITH more eyes on Guyana than ever before and rapidly growing interest in the nation’s energy sector, the aim is to ensure that the sector develops equally as sustainably.
This was the sentiment shared by Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips on the second day of Guyana’s fifth Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo.
Speaking to the hundreds of delegates present at the event, the Prime Minister stated that Guyana’s commitment to clean, sustainable growth in the energy sector is highlighted through a number of major shifts within the industry.
Steps such as the addition of 186 megawatts of power to the national grid, the distribution of more than 40,000 solar panels, and expanded access to power nation-wide are just a few of the measures that highlight not only Guyana’s capacity in the sector, but also why investors should invest in the nation.
Speaking about the holistic development of Guyana’s energy sector, Prime Minister Phillips stated that now, more than ever, is a unique and important time in Guyana’s energy history. Citing Guyana’s rich natural diversity, Phillips shared that as one of the most naturally rich nations in the world, the Government of Guyana is committed to ensuring the protection of the country’s natural assets. Referencing the Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), he described Guyana’s forests and other national treasures as global assets that have supported the development of various sectors across the country.
While natural diversity is profitable, Prime Minister Phillips explained, the government remains committed to ensuring its protection alongside the development of oil, gas, and energy. “Guyana is currently experiencing rapid economic transformation, supported, in part, by the development of our oil-and-gas sector. We recognise the opportunities this presents. Revenues from this sector are being invested in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and national development,” he said, adding: “But we also recognise that this is a moment that requires careful planning and long-term vision. We do not see our present as a contradiction to our future. Instead, we see it as a bridge.”
This commitment has already yielded positive, tangible results. Citing strides made in energy in recent years, Prime Minister Phillips shared that within the last five years, the Government of Guyana has added 186 megawatts of new generating capacity to the Guyana Power and Light’s integrated system and national power grid. Moreover, energy development has also been taking place at the household level, with 37,230 solar-powered home systems distributed, installing over 37 MW of renewable energy.
These steps, he added, among others, ensure clean, reliable energy and positively impacst the standard of living for thousands of Guyanese. “The development of clean and reliable energy also presents socio-economic advantages. Lower energy costs can stimulate industrial growth, support small businesses, and improve competitiveness. Access to reliable electricity can transform education, healthcare, and daily life, particularly in rural and hinterland communities,” he added. “Government has been pursuing a clean and just energy transition and developing a diverse energy supply mix of natural gas and renewable energy, resulting in over 500 MW of newly installed capacity.”

Efforts to protect and build on these successes are already underway, the Prime Minister said. Under the $119.4 billion allocated for the continued implementation of the energy strategy, the Government aims to tackle a slew of projects in the coming months. He shared that the construction of natural gas-fired power plants totalling 600 MW under Phases One and Two of the Gas-to-Energy Project is expected to significantly reduce emissions from the power sector and lower electricity costs for consumers. Similarly, Guyana’s first 300 MW natural gas plant will be commissioned this year.

On the note of alternative types of power, he shared that the Government will install an additional 100 MW of solar power, advance the 165 MW Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, and upgrade GPL’s transmission and distribution network. Additionally, in 2026, works will be completed on the installation of 10 new solar mini-grids to benefit over 6,200 households in hinterland and riverain communities, while construction of a 15 MW solar farm in Linden will continue, with completion scheduled for 2027.

While the Government of Guyana remains committed to ensuring sustainable energy, Prime Minister Phillips added that the focus is also on ensuring that the sector can be carried forward for generations to come. “Clean and renewable energy development is more than just technology and infrastructure. It is about the people of our nation and ensuring equity and opportunity so that every citizen benefits from the energy transition and adverse impacts are minimised,” he added. “This requires creating opportunities through green education and training in renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies, equipping a new workforce to lead the charge in innovation and progress against the backdrop of an evolving energy landscape.”