Guyana’s plan to host a new artificial intelligence (AI) data center could require as much as 100 megawatts (MW) of electricity. This is roughly 45% of the country’s current peak demand of 221 MW.
The terms are part of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with U.S.-based Cerebras Systems, the government said on Wednesday.
The data center will be located at Wales on the West Bank Demerara, the same site where Guyana is building onshore infrastructure for its Gas-to-Energy project. According to the announcement, behind-the-meter power from the natural gas pipeline tied to the Gas-to-Energy project will supply the facility.
At Wales, government contractor Lindsayca is building a 300 MW natural gas power plant that is expected to use offshore gas produced by ExxonMobil, to help Guyana transition from heavy fuel oil (HFO) as its main source of power. The government also plans to contract a second gas power plant of similar capacity, but no contract or timeline has been outlined.
According to a joint press release from government and Cerebras Systems, the MOU outlines plans for Cerebras to build and operate an AI data center of up to 100 MW, deploying its CS-3 supercomputers and related high-performance infrastructure. The company said the system is aimed at serving international demand and positioning Guyana as a regional technology hub for startups, researchers and enterprises.
President Irfaan Ali said the deal reflects the country’s ambition to become an “AI-first nation,” adding that the investment is intended to create jobs, expand education opportunities and support new digital industries. “Guyana is building a future where Guyanese talent powers global innovation,” he said.
The agreement also commits both sides to principles of data sovereignty and protection, with the government preparing legislation to safeguard its national interests. Cerebras said it will invest in Guyanese workforce development through training programs, research initiatives, university partnerships and internships.
Cerebras CEO Andrew Feldman said the project forms part of the company’s “Cerebras for Nations” initiative, aimed at helping governments build and scale sovereign AI systems. The announcement added that the deal has drawn interest from additional global players in AI, cloud computing and infrastructure.
Cerebras describes itself as the world’s fastest AI inference and training platform.
