Prime Minister Mark Phillips being briefed on the newly commissioned solar farm at Wakenaam
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), the Honourable Mark Phillips, on Friday, commissioned the 750kWp Solar Photovoltaic Installation at the Wakenaam Power Plant compound, which he described as a transformative step toward sustainable energy use and local economic empowerment.
Prime Minister Phillips highlighted that the new solar farm is expected to meet and surpass the island of Wakenaam’s current energy demand, while providing reliable and clean electricity to residents and businesses. “This project is a catalyst for further development. We encourage residents to harness this energy to improve livelihoods, including through agro-processing and other small-scale industries.”
Prime Minister Mark Phillips addressing the gathering
The Prime Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to transitioning Guyana towards a diversified energy mix, noting similar projects in other communities such as Leguan, Bartica, and Lethem. He said the administration is focused on people-centred development, aiming to ensure every sizeable community has access to renewable energy systems.
He highlighted the potential for a more diversified and resilient local economy if residents can maximise the use of the excess electricity. Industries such as agro-processing, small-scale manufacturing, and tourism, he explained, could thrive with the support of clean, reliable electricity—turning Wakenaam’s energy surplus into a driver of economic growth. “We need to now put our minds, our heads together and come up with a business strategy, and get the investors to invest, to utilise this excess power. Don’t have it as ornament.”
He added: “We now have to harness or utilise the energy, especially what is available here at Wakenaam, and produce goods with a shelf life that can now be exported to the rest of the world.”
He also reminded residents that the project is their “own” and should be protected and valued for future generations.
The commissioning of the 750kWp Solar PV farm at Wakenaam on Friday
The Prime Minister noted the successful rollout of over 60 microgrids across hinterland communities and the distribution of more than 30,000 household solar systems to off-grid homes.
He also praised the contractors and the Guyana Power and Light project team for delivering the facility despite challenges. “We are proud of this project, we’re proud of what we’re doing in Wakenaam, we’re proud of what we’re doing in the hinterland communities, and with your support, we’ll continue to deliver on similar projects to the people throughout the length and breadth of Guyana.”
In Wakenaam, the 750kWp solar system is supported by a 1,330kWh battery storage facility capable of delivering 360kW of power for up to three hours, enabling the island to operate largely on renewable energy during the day while keeping conventional generators for backup.
Executed in partnership with the UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund and Masdar, the project is designed to stabilise and expand the island’s energy capacity while reducing diesel consumption, in keeping with the Government’s Low Carbon Development Strategy.
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