The Guyana Oil Company Limited (GUYOIL) on Friday officially inaugurated its Green Office and Store Complex, located at its Providence Terminal, East Bank Demerara.
The construction of the 100 per cent solar energy building is seen as a direct response to the governing coalition’s vision for Guyana to become a green state.
“We have answered the call of President David Granger for us to go green,” Chairman of GuyOil’s Board, Mark Bender said while delivering opening remarks at the commissioning of the building
The building was designed by Marcel Gaskin and associates and constructed by R. Bassoo and Sons while the solar installation was done by Standby Power Engineering Company (SPECOM).
Bender said the new Green Office and Store Complex was designed to accommodate the company’s growing workforce and will accommodate having staff closer to the terminal for the smooth flow of operations.
He said the 100 per cent solar building would be cost-efficient and best suited for a country with a green vision.
He also noted that the solar project has a fully Off-Grid Hybrid System; this means that it has three sources of power (solar panels, storages batteries, and back-up generators).
Construction on the almost $300 million facility began in July 2017 and the construction was recently completed but not without its fair share of challenges.
Meanwhile, CEO of GUYOIL, Renatha Exeter said that GUYOIL has over the years endeavoured to employ best practices and, very importantly as a state-owned enterprise, be supportive of government initiatives.
She too stressed that the commissioning of the GUYOIL Green Office and Store Complex is in accordance with the energy objective of the Green State Development Strategy of transitioning Guyana to 100 per cent use of renewable and clean energy sources.
The building boasts of several complementary security and safety features inclusive of fireproof doors and foam and water sprinkler system.
Minister of Finance Winston Jordan commended GuyOil for its futuristic planning but urged them to consider making other facilities in and around Georgetown also Green.
He said this new facility is a slap in the face of all naysayers and an attraction to new investors.
“I have no doubt that this investment will reduce the company’s expenditure increase profitability and help to allow GuyOil to make larger dividends to the treasury,” he added.
