–with major infrastructural milestones
THE Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) continue to make significant progress under its Grid Modernisation Programme, with several key infrastructure projects advancing steadily as the company strengthens and expands Guyana’s electricity network.
During this week’s project progress meeting at the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation (MPUA) which brought together the Director General of MPUA, Alfonso De Armas; GPL’s Executive Management led by Team Lead, Kesh Nandlall; Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractors; and the InterEnergy Holding (IEH) UK, stakeholders reviewed the status of critical projects aimed at improving grid reliability, resilience, and operational efficiency across the country.
Among the major developments highlighted was the Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) River Crossing Project, where works continue to gather momentum, according to a press release from the MPUA.
On the West Bank, the HDD equipment setup and the pipe stringing and welding area have been completed. On the East Bank, mobilisation of HDD equipment commenced on July 12, while the first shipment of polyethylene (PE) pipes has arrived on site.
PE duct welding is expected to begin this week, with the first HDD bore anticipated to commence within approximately 14 days.
Significant progress was also reported under GPL’s Transmission and Substation Expansion Programme. Critical materials for the contracts being executed by PowerChina and Kalpataru are currently en route to Guyana, while prerequisite civil and site preparation works continue.
Once completed, these projects will deliver eight new substations and expand several existing substations, substantially improving the reliability, flexibility, and efficiency of the national transmission network.
Meanwhile, engineering and design activities have officially commenced for GPL’s 30 MW / 60 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Project; scheduled for completion by March 2027, the project will play an important role in enhancing grid stability, improving operational resilience, and supporting the integration of additional energy resources into the national grid.
The meeting also reviewed progress on the Primary Distribution Feeder Programme, under which contractors CMC, PowerChina, and Kalpataru will construct a total of 55 new primary distribution feeders spanning approximately 368 kilometres across Regions Three, Four, Five and Six.
The programme is expected to significantly increase network capacity, improve service reliability, reduce outages, and accommodate Guyana’s rapidly growing electricity demand.
Nandlall said the continued advancement of these projects reflects the company’s commitment to building a stronger, more modern electricity system capable of supporting Guyana’s unprecedented economic growth.
“These projects represent a transformational investment in Guyana’s electricity infrastructure. As we continue to modernise the grid, we are creating a stronger, more resilient and efficient power system that will deliver improved reliability for customers while supporting the country’s expanding development agenda,” Nandlall said.
GPL said it remains committed to working closely with the Government of Guyana, the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation, contractors, and development partners to ensure the timely delivery of these strategic investments, which form a critical part of the company’s long-term vision of providing safe, reliable, and sustainable electricity to customers nationwide.
