Renewables to supply up to 25% of peak demand as Guyana adds 50MW this year -GEA

Guyana is on track to significantly boost its renewable energy capacity this year, with the government expected to add about 50 megawatts (MW), bringing renewables closer to supplying a quarter of the country’s peak electricity demand.This is according to Head of the Guyana Energy Agency, Dr. Mahendra Sharma, who said the expansion forms part of a broader shift away from heavy fuel oil towards a diversified energy mix.Speaking on the Starting Point podcast hosted by Kiana Wilburg, Sharma explained that the transition is being driven by a combination of natural gas, hydropower and solar investments.“Of course, the gas to energy is at the top of that list because it represents a significant shift from our dependence on heavy fuel oil towards cleaner forms of energy like natural gas,” Sharma said, while noting that the strategy goes beyond gas alone.He added, “It is not just natural gas. It is a combination of gas, hydro… and we’re investing in a number of utility-scale solar PV farms.”Sharma revealed that by the end of 2026, government-backed projects alone will account for “probably about 50 megawatts of new renewable energy installed capacity,” including mini hydros, utility-scale solar farms, solar mini-grids and rooftop systems.When combined with private sector investments, such as the recently commissioned solar facility at Aurora Gold Mines, which adds more than 49MW, the impact becomes more significant.“So what does 50 megawatts and 49 megawatts mean?… it represents a significant proportion of our peak demand,” Sharma explained, noting that Guyana’s peak demand currently stands at about 205MW.“In that context, it represents close to 20%, 25% of that peak demand,” he added.The GEA Head also disclosed that the long-anticipated Amaila Falls Hydropower Project is moving forward, with the request for proposals (RFP) expected to open this month.Beyond large-scale projects, Sharma said the agency is now targeting households as part of its renewable push, under a new initiative dubbed the LCDS Grid Connected Solar PV Programme.The programme aims to help citizens install rooftop solar systems, with technical and financial guidance provided throughout the process.“A major initiative that we’re driving right now is creating awareness and… an education campaign so that the average householder can play their part,” Sharma said.He noted that a dedicated team has been established within the agency to assist with everything from securing quotations to accessing financing and overseeing installation.The initiative is being supported by Guyana Power and Light, which has introduced a streamlined approval process.“They’ve actually created a special LCDS express lane to allow fast access, quick approvals to get this done,” Sharma said.He added that the agency is also working with the Government Electrical Inspectorate to ensure installations meet national standards and can safely supply power to homes.As Guyana accelerates its transition, Sharma said the country’s abundant natural resources, particularly sunlight, remain central to reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and advancing its low-carbon development goals.