AS power demand increases amid Guyana’s unprecedented economic boom, construction of the second phase of the gas-to-energy (GtE) plant is expected to start this year, according to Head of the country’s Gas-to-Energy Taskforce, Winston Brassington.
Brassington, during a panel discussion on Thursday at the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, disclosed that five firms have already been pre-qualified under a second Request for Proposals (RFPs) for another 300 megawatts (MW) plant, with bids expected by the end of March.
Giving an update on the GtE project, he reiterated that part of the first phase of the Wales project will be operational by the end of this year, which will see 228 MW of power being delivered.
By mid-2027, the entire project should be completed, Brassington stated.
“So, we’re doubling from 300 megawatts of combined cycle power with gas to 600 and we expect construction of that to start this year, because we need the additional power ASAP,” Brassingston said.
With plans for natural gas-fired plants totalling up to 600 megawatts under phased development and the commissioning of the first 300-megawatt plant anticipated this year, the strategy is to reduce emissions from the power sector, while lowering electricity costs for consumers and improving reliability across industries and communities.
The GtE, a vital piece of Guyana’s development, is progressing well and is closer to fruition. It represents Guyana’s determination to use its natural resources to lower costs, expand industries and create new opportunities for citizens. With over two-thirds of the work already done and strong collaboration among the government, ExxonMobil Guyana and contractors, the project is moving steadily towards completion.
The benefits of the GtE project extend beyond power, as it also has the opportunity to produce local fertiliser, which could reduce reliance on imports and save foreign currency.
The 1,400-acre Wales Development Zone is being developed around the core infrastructure of the GtE plant, positioning it as the centrepiece of Guyana’s emerging industrial landscape.
President, Dr Irfaan Ali had previously emphasised that the GtE project is not just about a pipeline and power generation, but about building the foundation for a diversified, production-driven economy.
He noted that the integration of industrial facilities within the development zone will help create thousands of jobs, reduce operational costs, and boost competitiveness across multiple sectors.
According to the President, the project represents a major leap toward industrialisation and energy security, transforming Wales into a dynamic economic hub that will power Guyana’s next phase of growth.
Beyond the GtE project, Minister Indar said that the government is pursuing a diversified energy mix, with plans including the 165 megawatts from the Amaila project– which has already gone out back to Request for Proposals (RfP)– and an additional 100 megawatts of solar power to be added to the grid in the next five years.
The gas-to-energy project falls under the purview of the Office of the Prime Minister and continues to benefit from sustained government oversight as it advances through critical implementation phases.
The GtE facility comprises two integrated components working in tandem: a combined gas processing and Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) plant, and a power-generation plant.
The facility is designed to receive approximately 50 million cubic feet of gas per day from offshore production, which will be converted into electricity and marketable gas products, aimed at maximising the value of Guyana’s natural resources.
The power-generation component will utilise four SGT-800 gas turbines operating in a combined-cycle configuration, which will deliver a total generation capacity of approximately 300 megawatts.
The control rooms for the transformative gas-to-energy project were transported to the project site back in January.
