One of the key substations that will transmit power from Guyana’s 300-megawatt (MW) Gas-to-Energy (GtE) project is nearing completion, well ahead of the project’s full commissioning. Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, on April 3 inspected the Goedverwagting facility, reporting that it is on track for completion by June 30, 2025.
The substation plays a key role in the GtE transmission network and will receive 230kV of power from the GtE plant, which will be stepped down to 69 kilovolts (kV) using two 375 megavolt-ampere (MVA) transformers—each weighing 241 tons. The voltage will then be reduced to 13.8kV through two 60MVA transformers, weighing 59 tons each, for safe distribution to consumers.
Cutting-edge technology from global giants Siemens and ABB is being utilized for the substation’s operations. A control center tied to the substation’s function is also under construction, with completion set for August 2025.
This progress comes as the first phase of the GtE project—expected to deliver first gas this year—approaches key commissioning markers. That phase will power a 300 MW natural gas-fired power plant and is expected to produce approximately 4,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day.
Accompanying the minister on the site visit were senior officials from Kalpataru Power Transmission Ltd., the Indian company contracted for the substation works. Joining them were Country Manager PK Mohanty, Substation Business Head Hemendra Gupta, and Construction Manager Victor Johnraj.
In addition to the Goedverwagting facility, two other substations are under construction at Wales, West Bank Demerara—where the GtE power plants and NGL facilities are being built by the Lindsayca-CH4 Guyana joint venture.
The two-phased development of the GtE initiative is central to Guyana’s energy transformation.
“Together, the two phases are expected to…significantly reduce Guyana’s dependence on imported fuels and lower electricity costs, which are among the highest in the region,” Minister Indar said.
