PM Phillips: 50 MW of new renewable energy expected by 2026

Guyana’s expansion of renewable energy will see almost 50 megawatts (MW) coming on stream by year end as part of efforts to reduce the country’s carbon footprint, deliver cheaper electricity and improve access to energy.
This is according to Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who said the new capacity will be delivered upon completion of several projects, many of which will service hinterland, riverine and other off-grid locations.

“Based on the sum total of the projects, just under 50 MW will be online definitely by the end of 2026. And I say by 2026 because we have a major project in Linden with 15 megawatts…that has not reached the point of commission as yet, by time it reaches the point of commission it will be just about 50 megawatts,” the Prime Minister said.
Making the announcement on the Starting Point podcast on Sunday, Phillips added that the capacity will include 33 MW of power delivered by solar farms in Regions Six, Two and Five.

He said that the community solar project, which saw solar farms and mini-grids installed in large and medium-sized Amerindian villages to power public buildings, is also contributing to the expansion.Other public buildings across the country are also being outfitted with solar systems, while 37,000 household solar units have been delivered to hinterland communities.
“So it’s a lot of savings in terms of our carbon footprint being reduced immensely and there are some savings in terms of generation.”
The Prime Minister said the government intends to power off-grid locations at the same pace it reduces energy costs on the coastline. He added that the administration is monitoring the results of ongoing projects as a guide to future initiatives.