Guyana Utility Scale Solar Photovoltaic Program

The Guyana Utility-Scale Solar Photovoltaic Program (GUYSOL) is part of a broader initiative aimed at diversifying Guyana’s energy matrix towards the use of climate-resilient renewable energy (RE) sources in the electricity generation matrix. GUYSOL represents a significant step towards sustainable energy development in Guyana. The specific objectives of the program are to: 

1 . Construct 33MWp of Solar PV Farms with an associated 34MWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) as follows:

• • • 15MWp of Solar PV with 22MWh of BESS in Linden across three (3) sites: Block 37 (Millie’s Hideout), Retrieve, and Dacoura. 
    • 8MWp of Solar PV with 12MWh of BESS on the Essequibo Coast across two (2) sites: Onderneeming, and Charity (South Cozier Canal) 
    • 10MWp of Solar PV in East and West Coast Berbice across three (3) sites: Trafalgar (WCB), Prospect (ECB), and Hampshire (ECB). 

Each facility will be connected to the 13.8 kV primary distribution network in its respective area. This component not only aims to diversify the energy matrix by incorporating renewable energy sources but also to displace the use of fossil fuels for electricity generation, thus contributing to climate change mitigation by reducing CO2 emissions. Additionally, it represents the first utility-scale solar PV and BESS investment project in Guyana, marking a significant milestone in the country’s renewable energy transition.

Component 2 of the program focuses on “Operation Efficiency, System, and Capacity Building.” This component aims to enhance the efficiency and management of the isolated systems in Essequibo and Linden, while also fostering inclusivity and capacity building within the renewable energy sector, particularly among women and underrepresented groups. Specifically, Component 2 includes:

1. 1. 1. Upgrades and digital modernization of the isolated Essequibo and Linden electrical systems through energy management applications. This involves the installation of automated monitoring and control systems, remote control systems for substations, and the development of a Disaster Risk Management Plan for flood-prone sites.
      2. Support for the development of Energy Management Systems on the isolated systems of Essequibo and Linden power grids, as well as GPL’s overall system digitalization. This includes financing for hardware and/or cloud services, such as servers, networking devices, and field devices, along with software components and necessary communications protocols integrated into the power plant’s final designs.
      3. Gender and diversity-specific actions aimed at promoting inclusivity within the renewable energy sector in Guyana. This includes training programs for women in solar PV, Solar Job and Workforce Development (SJWD), with paid apprenticeship opportunities, as well as the design and implementation of apprenticeship programs for diversity and inclusion within the Project Executing Unit in GPL and other Government Energy Agencies.