Engagements continue on Payara FPD – DE Director  

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Director of the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe stated that engagements continue with Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) before the Payara Field Development Project (FDP) is finalised.

He made this remark on Monday during a virtual press conference.

“The review of the Payara FDP is fairly advanced with some preliminary issues raised with the Operator. The DE continues to engage with the Operator collaboratively before finalisation of the comments to be shared with the Operator,” the energy head said.

He explained that a list of matters to be addressed has to be provided before approval is granted for the FDP.

“The Payara field development plan process is not held in abeyance, we continue to work through the process as we align what needs to be aligned so by the time the political furore is sorted, we can be able to take it forward to say one way or the other what the course of action ought to be.”

This he said is not unusual as a similar process was followed for Liza Phase One and Liza two projects.

The review process for Payara commenced last year after ExxonMobil submitted the FDP.  Payara will be the US oil giant’s third project in the Stabroek block.

On the issue of local content within the sector, Dr. Bynoe highlighted that since the completion of the Local Content Policy, it has been implemented.

He, however, noted that the department continues to explore various areas for enhancement and improvement. The Local Content Policy remains a live document and will continue to be enhanced as Guyana’s petroleum sector develops.

The policy was completed in February 2020. When it was unveiled, the Energy Director said: “It remains what we call a fit for purpose policy as it offers a balanced alignment between the government of Guyana policy goals whilst maintaining consistency with Guyana’s international and regional trade and economic cooperation obligations.”