The procurement process for the Linden utility-scale solar project in Guyana is advancing, President Irfaan Ali announced at a press conference on June 20.
This development is part of a broader US$83.3 million initiative under the Guyana Utility-Scale Photovoltaic Programme (GUYSOL), aimed at boosting clean energy nationwide.
“The contracts for Berbice and Essequibo are already in place, and the procurement process for Linden is advancing,” Ali said.
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The Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) invited bids for the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of a 15-megawatt peak (MWp) solar PV system with 22 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery storage in the Linden isolated system.
This initiative, funded through the US$220.8 million Guyana earned for forest climate services in its partnership with Norway, also covers an 8MWp system with 12MWh of battery storage for the Essequibo coast isolated system and a 10MWp system for the Demerara-Berbice interconnected system in Berbice.
In March, contracts worth US$38 million were signed to acquire an 18 MWpof solar power capability to bolster sustainable energy infrastructure in Regions Two, Five, and Six. The project, which has a lifespan of 18 months, is being executed by a joint venture of SUMEC Complete Equipment and Engineering Company Limited and XJ Group Corporation (contractor).
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Additionally, US$850,000 was allocated for women and persons living with disabilities for training in solar installation, further contributing to social and economic development.
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), which administers the funds, stated that these solar projects will significantly reduce CO2 emissions, lower electricity costs, and support Guyana’s transition to renewable energy sources.
“These projects will bring affordable and clean energy to places like Linden and Berbice,” Ali said.
The initiative is expected to benefit 27,000 households with cheap, clean energy – benefiting over 70,000 people. In a few years from now, Guyana will have 14 solar farms and 28 solar mini grids with an accumulated installed capacity of 39 megawatts (MW).
