Despite encountering resistance from some local analysts arguing that the Gas-to-Energy Project could risk anchoring the nation to a fossil fuel-dependent future, rather than a renewable energy trajectory, Guyana’s Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, staunchly contends that such an argument is duplicitous, dangerous and disingenuous.
In a searing counterstrike, Dr. Jagdeo recently reasoned that such an argument is hypocritical since many countries around the world, even those which have pledged to phase out the use of dirty fuels such as coal, have walked back on their promises. The Vice President cited one of the biggest offenders in this regard to be the United Kingdom. Just recently, the UK Government said that hundreds of new oil and gas licences will be granted as part of a drive to make Britain more energy independent.
Referencing this development, the Vice President also said, “This is the same UK that was championing the cause of banning coal and phasing out fossil fuel but last year gave a permit for deep coal mining.”
While this is taking place in the UK, Jagdeo noted that local critics have gone into attack mode against the administration because of its pursuit of gas development. He noted that such a position is duplicitous and even devious, especially when one considers that gas will not be the only driver of Guyana’s energy agenda.
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“Frankly speaking, our commitment to net zero is one of the strongest in the world and we are already playing a significant role in doing our part. But some people don’t care about this narrative. They don’t want to hear that the Gas-to-Energy project keeps Guyana on track with its commitment in the Low Carbon Development Strategy,” the Vice President noted.
That very document also outlines that the country intends to use natural gas as a bridge away from heavy fuel oil, followed by the implementation of the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project and an expansion of solar, wind, and biomass.
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The chief strategist for Guyana’s oil sector also noted that the move to gas is in keeping with the administration’s promise to ensure cheaper electricity is delivered to the citizenry and other sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing are made more competitive. Gas, he asserted, is less carbon intensive than diesel and bunker fuel, thereby diminishing the country’s carbon footprint.
In closing, the Vice President assured that the gas project being done in collaboration with an ExxonMobil-led consortium is in keeping with the country’s agenda for a green economy. He noted that it is therefore unjust for detractors to stigmatise the project without considering the broader context.
