HOUSTON, TEXAS – President Irfaan Ali used his feature address at the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, Texas to outline Guyana’s approach to managing oil production, renewable energy expansion and climate commitments under what he described as an “energy balance” framework.
Ali said, during his May 4 address, that Guyana has rejected “the false choice between economic development and environmental stewardship,” opting instead for a strategy that advances both.
He explained that the country is pursuing a “deliberate and integrated dual track approach,” combining hydrocarbon development with investment in renewables and low-carbon systems.
ExxonMobil is leading on that front, operating four producing developments in Guyana’s Stabroek Block with several others in tow.
“We are extracting full value from our hydrocarbon resources while simultaneously building the renewable and low carbon system that will define our future,” he said.
The Head of State identified the Gas-to-Energy project as central to this strategy, stating that it will deliver affordable electricity, improve reliability and support industrial development.
He said investments in the national grid and generation systems are aimed at reducing costs and strengthening energy security, while renewable deployment is being expanded across Guyana’s administrative regions. President Ali also pointed to efforts to build a diversified system through grid upgrades, storage solutions and regional energy integration.
He said Guyana is targeting an energy mix by 2030 that integrates renewables, hydropower and natural gas to support long-term stability.
Ali linked this approach to the country’s environmental record, noting that Guyana maintains one of the lowest deforestation rates globally and continues to preserve large areas of forest.
“Our forests sequester more than 150 million tons of carbon,” he said, adding that conservation efforts are supported through the government’s flagship Low Carbon Development Strategy.
He said the framework allows Guyana to generate revenue from environmental services while reinvesting in renewable energy, climate resilience and national development.
Ali told the conference that Guyana’s model demonstrates that oil production, environmental protection and economic growth can proceed together.
“Oil and gas will get essential in the present… Renewables are essential for the future,” he continued.
The Offshore Technology Conference is one of the oil and gas industry’s largest annual events, bringing together governments, operators, contractors and service companies to discuss offshore energy developments, technology and investment.
OTC continues until May 7, at Houston’s NRG Centre.
