A 49.4-megawatt (MW) solar farm at the Aurora Gold Mine (AGM) is expected to cut approximately 46,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, reducing reliance on diesel at the company’s mining project.
AGM is owned by China’s Zijing Mining Group.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips commissioned the facility on April 8 at the site in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), pointing to its role in supporting cleaner energy use.
Guyana aims for 39MW of accumulated solar capacity in the next 3 years | OilNOW
“This level of generation reduces reliance on diesel fuel and results in significant emissions reductions,” the Prime Minister said. He added that the installation also lowers sulfur and nitrogen oxides, “while strengthening the operation’s environmental profile.”
The solar farm, the largest by capacity in Guyana, balances generation with storage to maintain a steady and dependable power supply.
The project also created about 100 local jobs during construction. Workers received practical training in renewable energy systems, battery storage, and microgrid management. “These are skills that will remain relevant as Guyana continues to expand its use of renewable energy,” the Prime Minister said.
The Guyana government is steadily expanding its solar generation capacity, as part of its Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, with a growing network of solar farms and mini-grids being rolled out across multiple regions. The country is targeting about 39 MW of installed solar power as part of efforts to diversify its energy mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
“These investments are complemented by grid upgrades, battery storage, and additional energy projects aimed at reducing costs and improving reliability across the country,” PM Phillips added, noting that solar farms will strengthen Guyana’s goal of maintaining its carbon sink status.
The move also coincides with the Gas-to-Energy project, which is expected to give the nation 300 MW of reliable power. Scheduled to be operational by the end of 2026, the project will transport natural gas from ExxonMobil’s Liza field in the Stabroek Block to the integrated processing facility at Wales.
The initiative is projected to halve electricity costs by replacing imported heavy fuel oil with natural gas, thereby reducing emissions. It will further provide cheaper cooking gas, fertilizer, and opportunities to commercialize natural gas liquids.
