Much-needed hinterland solar power project could get underway early next year

The much-needed hinterland solar power project, which will benefit 30,000 households in hinterland and riverain communities, could get underway next year, according to Head of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) Dr. Mahender Sharma.

Dr. Sharma, at an event on Wednesday, reminded reporters that the necessary funds have already been secured.

This project is made possible through a US$7.2 million line-of-credit from India’s Export- Import (EXIM) bank. The credit agreement was inked in September 2021, after the project was approved by both the Guyanese and Indian governments.

And the GEA Head noted that once the materials needed are available, the project will commence in the first quarter of 2023.

As per the project proposal, each household is expected to have its own solar panel, an inverter, and basic fittings. This means that each household would be able to generate electricity on a self-dependent basis.

Previously, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh said that this is an important project because it helps to transition Guyana away from its dependence on harmful fossil fuels like diesel. He also underscored that some families will be getting electricity for the first time.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Dr. Sharma also noted that a new solar farm at Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni- Mazaruni), is nearing completion and will benefit many residents there too.

“We just received the final cable that we are waiting on to complete the Bartica solar farm,” he announced, later noting that the Bartica project should be operational by November.