Guyana marked another milestone today in its renewable energy transition as the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) officially commissioned a 3 Megawatt-peak (MWp) Solar Photovoltaic Farm at Hampshire, Berbice.
The commissioning ceremony was led by the Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, who emphasised that the development demonstrates Guyana’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions. He stated, “The commissioning of this facility sends a clear signal to not only our people, but to the Latin American and Caribbean region and the rest of the world. It says to them all that Guyana is serious about transitioning to cleaner energy sources.”
Prime Minister Phillips also highlighted the significance of the event as global leaders gather in Belém, Brazil, for COP30, the United Nations Climate Change Conference. He remarked, “We are boldly, visibly, decisively, and yes, we’re punching far above our weight. Why? Because Climate Change does not wait on anyone, because emissions do not pause, because survival does not negotiate and because future generations will not accept excuses from us. They will demand results.”
The Minister within the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, described the project as “historic”, noting its importance in advancing Guyana’s clean energy transition, its contribution to local job creation, and its role in strengthening international, regional, and local partnerships. He further stated that “this project is part of a very important historic journey”, crediting the achievement to the Government of Guyana’s drive to deliver sustainable energy solutions nationwide.
GPL’s Executive Management Committee Team Leader, Kesh Nandlall, reminded that the event follows shortly after the commissioning of a 5MWp Solar Farm at Onderneeming on the Essequibo Coast earlier in the month. He explained that this new solar plant forms part of the Guyana Utility-Scale Solar PV Program (GUYSOL), funded by US$83.8 million through Guyana’s partnership with the Kingdom of Norway and implemented with support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Under GUYSOL, eight solar farms are being built across Regions 2, 5, 6, and 10.
Mr. Nandlall noted, “This is a major step toward providing clean power in line with the Low Carbon Development Strategy charted by the government. By installing 33 megawatts (MWp) of solar capacity nationwide Guyana is reducing its dependence on imported fossil fuels and lowering generation costs for the long term.”
He added that Berbice will see 10 MWp of new solar capacity across three sites, Hampshire, Prospect, and Travalgar, which together will supply approximately 16,100 MWh of electricity annually.
Nandlall also underscored the project’s broader social impact, particularly in promoting gender equality through the Women in Solar training programme, which certified 31 women. He highlighted the Energy Apprenticeship Programme as well, which has equipped 20 young people, including persons with disabilities, with industry-ready skills.
The ceremony was attended by several high-level officials, including the Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Vanessa Benn; the Country Representative of the Inter-American Development Group of Guyana, Ms. Lorena Solorzano; Regional Chairman Junior Basant; members of GPL’s Executive Management Committee; and residents of Region Six.
