The consultation process for the implementation of utility-scale solar photo voltaic (PV) projects at Onderneeming and Lima Sands in Region Two commenced on Saturday.
The projects will come under the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund. The major stakeholders are the Government of Guyana and the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and the projects will be funded through the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
The Essequibo Coast projects will consist of two farms specifically 4.4 MW at Onderneeming and 3.6 MW at Lima Sands. The two farms will generate 12.21 GWh of energy which would initially be approximately 28% of the demand on the Essequibo Coast.
Consultant for the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report lsidro Espinosa told a stakeholders’ meeting held at Lima Sands Primary School on Saturday afternoon that the project is expected to generate approximately 12.21 GWh of electricity annually at an approximate average cost of US$0.19 per kWh.
Espinosa said that the project timeline is expected to be 18 months with continued monitoring for another 10 months following the commissioning by 2023 to ensure grid stability and regulation. Before the construction, there will be a three-month tendering process.
“The projects will be environmentally friendly and will reduce and avoid CO2 emissions in electricity generation through the diversification of the energy supply matrix with the introduction of renewable-based energy especially so PV,” Espinosa said.
Meanwhile, Amir Dillawar, Project Engineer, of GPL said some of the project outputs include savings from reduced fossil fuel purchases in the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) and Essequibo Coast system. It will empower women’s groups through production activities. He said the purpose of the consultation is to solicit community input on Environmental and Social issues to be studied in the ESIA report.
Region Two Chairperson Vilma De Silva said that she is happy that Region Two was selected for the project. She also said that Onderneeming and Lima Sands are fast-growing areas with large housing schemes. She said that with the project many women’s groups would be able to benefit.
Mayor of Anna Regina, Rajendra Prabhulall said with the Government promoting renewable energy, the project is a positive move. He, therefore, pledged the council’s support.
A spokesperson for Lima Sands, Rosaline Thompson said that she is happy for the project. She however called on contractors to provide employment for the people.
