Along with to the start-up of the Wales Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project by mid-2026, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has outlined plans for a second power plant at the site, along with a terminal to facilitate the export of cooking gas.
The GTE project entails bringing natural gas from the Stabroek Block through a 12-inch pipeline to fuel a 300-megawatt (MW) combined-cycle gas turbine power plant and an integrated Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility at the Wales Industrial Estate, West Bank Demerara. The pipeline has already landed on site and work continues on other installations.
The project which started under the PPP’s current term is expected to reduce consumers electricity bill by 50% when operational. The project was expected to be completed this year but the deadline has since been move to next year.
According to the PPP’s manifesto, the 300 MW plant will be operationalised and the NGL facility will produce enough cooking gas to not only satisfy domestic demand but also produce a surplus.
The PPP further plans to establish a second power plant at Wales, capable of generating an additional 300 MW, and construct a ship-loading terminal for exporting cooking gas to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and other markets.
Further plans to monetise the gas reserves found offshore includes bringing the gas onshore to a major industrial complex in Berbice, which could include power generation for export, or shipping via a floating offshore facility, or a combination of the two.
Additionally, the party intends to examine the establishment of a strategic national fuel depot, with access for large tankers, aimed at reducing the cost of importing refined fuel products such as gasoline, diesel, and kerosene. According to the manifesto, this initiative could be pursued in partnership with the private sector.
The PPP also wants to continue to explore partnerships with the private sector on oil refining to meet domestic demand for refined products in the first instance.
