GUYANA BATTLES BLACKOUTS
Amidst the persistent challenges of power shortages, Guyana is witnessing a glimmer of hope in its battle against frequent blackouts.
The efforts of the Guyanese Government to address deficiencies in power generation seem to be yielding results, bringing a sigh of relief to both businesses and citizens alike.
Kestor Hutson, President of the Georgetown Chamber of Industry and Commerce, acknowledges a notable change in the landscape. He notes that businesses are experiencing a newfound confidence in their daily power supply, resulting in decreased reliance on backup generators.
For years, Guyana has grappled with power generation issues stemming from inadequate investments in its electricity infrastructure. The consequences of this neglect have been dire, with citizens and industries bearing the brunt of unreliable power supply.
In a bid to address this long standing issue, the government has taken a decisive step by enlisting the support of a Turkish power ship. This vessel, injecting 36 megawatts of electricity into the grid, marks a significant development in Guyana’s quest for energy stability.
Despite strides in stabilizing the power grid, concerns still linger regarding the affordability of electricity. Hutson emphasizes the persistent challenge of high electricity costs, which continue to pose hurdles for businesses operating in Guyana.
Amidst the stopgap measures there is a growing anticipation for the completion of the gas to energy project. This ambitious venture holds the promise of slashing energy prices by a significant margin, offering a lifeline to both businesses and consumers. Hutson underscores the pivotal role of private sector collaboration in ensuring the success of this transformative project.
“With the Georgetown Chamber throwing its weight behind the initiative, there’s a collective resolve to closely monitor the project’s implementation,” Hutson stated.
The Gas to Energy project, which is in collaboration with Exxon Mobil, underscores a shared commitment to advancing Guyana’s energy landscape with the promise of adding 300 megawatts of electricity to Guyana’s power grid and heralds a new era of energy abundance for the nation. It is slated for completion by the end of 2024.
