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December 27, 2025
December 27, 2025
December 27, 2025
Guyana has taken another major step in its transition to clean energy with the commissioning of the 3-megawatt Hampshire Solar Photovoltaic Facility in East Berbice, Corentyne, Region Six.
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) the Honourable Mark Phillips, led the ceremony on Friday, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to expanding renewable power across the country.
The Hampshire installation forms part of a wider rollout that will deliver 33 megawatts of solar energy and 34 megawatt-hours of battery storage across Regions Five and Six.
The US$83.8 million investment falls under the Guyana Utility-Scale Solar Photovoltaic (GUYSOL) Programme, executed by the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) and administered by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
In his remarks, Prime Minister Phillips said the project underscores Guyana’s determination to lead on climate action, even while functioning as one of the strongest net carbon sinks globally.
“Despite storing more carbon than we emit, Guyana is not waiting for others to act. We are acting boldly, visibly, decisively, and yes, we are punching far above our weight. Why? Because climate change does not wait. Because emissions do not pause. Because survival does not negotiate. And because future generations will not accept excuses—they will demand results,” he stated.
He noted that the solar farm signals that Guyana’s energy transition is unfolding in real and measurable ways, with direct benefits for communities and clear alignment with the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030.
“What we are demonstrating here is that Guyana’s transition is not theoretical; it is happening, it is accelerating, and it is producing results,” he said.
The Prime Minister outlined the Government’s multi-lane energy strategy, grounded in natural gas as a lower-emission transition fuel, hydropower for long-term clean baseload generation, and rapid expansion of solar and wind energy to strengthen decentralised systems across both coastal and hinterland areas.
“Our energy transition is not a choice between lanes; it is a multi-lane highway. Solar, hydro, wind, natural gas—each is a lane, each moving us toward the same destination: affordable, reliable, low-carbon energy for a rapidly growing Guyana,” he noted.
Prime Minister Phillips said Guyana’s shift to renewable energy will help reduce the fuel import bill by hundreds of millions of US dollars annually, freeing resources for schools, hospitals, roads and community development.
He added that the transition continues to drive down emissions, showing that development and decarbonisation can move hand in hand.
He also emphasised the social dimension of energy reform.
“Affordable energy is a form of social justice. When electricity becomes more accessible and reliable, opportunity becomes more accessible and reliable. We are ensuring that development touches every community, not just those with income to spare.”
The GUYSOL Programme has already opened new avenues for local participation, with 31 women trained and employed in solar installation and an apprenticeship initiative that includes persons living with disabilities gaining experience in engineering, finance and project management.
Prime Minister Phillips thanked the IDB for its partnership in advancing the programme, calling the institution a trusted ally in building cleaner and more resilient energy systems.
He also recognised SUMEC Complete Equipment and Engineering Limited and the XJ Group Corporation for delivering the Hampshire project on schedule.
“Today, as we commission this solar farm in Hampshire, we activate something larger—confidence, momentum, hope. A belief that Guyana’s development will not only be fast, but fair, not only prosperous, but sustainable,” he said.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed that Guyana’s clean energy future is already taking shape, driven by comprehensive planning, long-term investment and unwavering national commitment.
