The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) today invited Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the supply of 50 Megawatts of Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO)-generated power by Independent Power Producers (IPP).
In an advertisement in today’s Stabroek News, GPL says this supply is needed by March 2023 for three years.
The invitation will raise concerns for a number of reasons. The resort to HFO comes amid the ongoing global climate crisis and the need to phase out heavy carbon pollutants in line with Guyana’s commitments. HFO is a serious pollutant. Second, the notice would indicate that the government’s plan for the introduction of offshore natural gas into the energy mix is at least three years away. Third, the last purchase of HFO generators from Finland’s Wartsila was seen as sufficient for current needs pending diversification to green sources such as hydro, solar and wind. These generators recently encountered difficulties but are now back in service.
The advertisement says that the total 50 MW of generation capacity shall be divided into two lots of 25 MW. The earmarked 69 kV substations for interconnection are New Sophia and Canefield. Proponents are invited to explore the options of a power barge and land-based facilities.
Potential IPPs shall be responsible for all activities- fuel storage tanks, fuel, water treatment, testing, commissioning, operating and maintaining the power generation facility, the advertisement said.
EOIs must be submitted by May 6, 2022.
