Govt examining several energy-related project proposals – Minister Harmon

DPI, GUYANA, Monday, January 29, 2018

State Minister, Joseph Harmon has disclosed that multiple proposals for renewable energy-related projects by local and foreign companies are engaging the attention of Government on an almost weekly basis.

Hon. Joseph Harmon, Minister of State.

Minister Harmon, who was speaking at a recent post-Cabinet press conference, said only last week he met with representatives of a major company that handles solar energy.

This is an area, the State Minister noted, that Government will be examining very closely, in addition to hydro, wind and biomass.

“Those are areas which we are paying careful attention to because we believe that the energy sufficiency in this country, is an important matter for us, not only for domestic consumption but for industrial use and the future development of this country.”

Importantly, a high-level delegation will be participating in the Guyana/India Joint Commission and Inter-Ministerial Consultation being held in New Delhi, India. While there, it is expected that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be signed for new and renewable energy which will include solar energy, small hydros, biomass, bio-energy and wind energy.

Government is seeking to expedite renewable energy projects, recognising that citizens are anxious to see projects of this nature come to fruition.

In this regard, Government’s transparency in the processes was guaranteed.

It was also disclosed that there is a wind turbine project soon to be launched, that will be executed by a local businessman on the Corentyne (Region Six).

It was explained that more power, than is required, is being generated and the operator is engaging the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL Inc.)  to determine if some of that energy can be added to the national grid.

Guyana’s Nationally Determined Contribution under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), specifies that the country has to develop a 100 percent renewable energy supply by 2025 and the Government has promised to honour that commitment.

Finance Minister, Winston Jordan in his 2018 National Budget presentation said Guyana has opted for a comprehensive energy mix with natural gas being actively considered as a major component. In the interim, the government is currently examining the possibility of hydropower projects at Kumu Falls and Moco Moco Falls.

Government buildings, such as ministries, schools, and health centres continue to be outfitted with solar photovoltaic panels to reduce dependence on the national grid.

These initiatives are part of the government’s move towards a ‘Green Economy’ which was adopted since assumption to office in 2015.

President David Granger said his administration is “drafting a comprehensive, clean energy plan to guide our transition to sustainable energy generation, which will enable us to receive renewable and reliable energy at a reduced cost for households, industries, and hinterland communities”.

 

By: Stacy Carmichael

 

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