Govt submits list of ‘green projects’ for $4B int’l grant
DPI, Guyana, Thursday, October 10, 2019
Continuing its efforts to transform Guyana into a ‘Green State’, the government on Wednesday submitted a list of renewable energy projects to the Government of India to secure funding. The Asian nation has $4Billion in grants available exclusively for Guyana that can fund capital projects in renewable energy.
Minister of Public Infrastructure, Hon. David Patterson speaking at the National Toshaos Council Conference.
Guyana’s projects will incorporate solar energy.
“Our idea for the projects is to have mini-grids, not rooftops [systems]. We would like larger components that can power entire villages,” Minister of Public Infrastructure, Hon. David Patterson stated during his presentation on the fourth day of the 13th National Toshaos Council Conference.
The minister explained that with the grant, the ministry hopes to fund the acquisition of containerised hydro systems that are nearly 20 feet long and contain batteries, switchgears along with all necessary components to make the system work.
“We will be looking to procure a series of those, carry the containers to your villages, hook it up and put out the panels, and then we will assist you to carry the power to your individual areas” Minister Patterson said.
Minister Patterson reminded the audience that during 2018, Prime Minister Modi of India met with leaders of CARICOM at the United Nations in which he announced US$165M ($34.4Billion) in grants for renewable energy projects.
It is no secret that under the present government, there has been a significant push towards using green energy to power communities. This is particularly necessary in remote places such as the Indigenous communities.
By moving towards renewable energy, the government will not only live up to its own developmental goals as set out by Green State Development Strategy: Vision 2040, but that of the United Nations (UN) as well. These projects will allow Guyana to maintain its commitment towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal #7, which seeks to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.