The worksite of the solar farm at Onderneeming, Region Two

Work is advancing rapidly on the mega solar farm at Onderneeming, Region Two, with the contractor aiming to complete the project ahead of schedule.

The initiative, which falls under the Guyana Utility Scale Solar Photovoltaic (GUYSOL) programme, will bring significant benefits to the people of Region Two, powering homes, businesses, and communities for years to come.

Substantial civil works have already been completed, including site clearing and leveling.

Providing an update on the project during a site visit on Saturday, Programme Coordinator Amir Dillawar stated that construction of the project’s internal roads is nearly complete.

The 15-acre project site, initially lightly forested, underwent two months of clearing before construction could begin.

Currently, the team is progressing with the pile-driving phase, which involves hammering large, sturdy columns into the ground to provide a strong foundation for the structures to be built on top.

“In terms of the piles, they have to drive more than 3,000. To date, they have driven almost 1,000. So, it is an activity that requires around-the-clock work. We’re driving in excess of 100 piles a day. And we’ve already started to install the mounting structure for this site. All equipment, including solar panels, has already been shipped and delivered in Guyana for installation at this location,” Dillawar said.

He noted that the portion under construction at Onderneeming will generate five megawatts of power and will be connected to a smaller plant in Charity, achieving a total of eight MW of solar photovoltaic power for the Pomeroon-Supenaam region.

“The other site in Charity will produce three megawatts of solar power with battery systems installed there. So, this is the largest farm in Essequibo, and it is the most advanced in terms of work at this point,” he added.

According to Dillawar, the project is ahead of schedule. While it is officially slated for completion in December this year, he expects it may be finished by mid-year.

“They are pushing very hard to finish ahead of schedule. There may be delays, but it is certain that the project will be completed within the contractual timeframe,” he assured.

Head of the Executive Management Committee of the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), Kesh Nandlall, explained that the peak demand in the Essequibo region is about 10 megawatts, making this initiative a major boost to the region’s generation capacity.

“We are also adding additional generation as we go along. We have procured three additional generators, 1.6 MW each. They will be here in about three to six months,” he said.

This will be complemented by the procurement of two additional Caterpillar generator sets, each with a generation capacity of 1.5 MW. These will arrive within the next two weeks, according to Nandlall.

“The programme also includes training initiatives. We will train 50 women in solar PV installation and maintenance through a paid apprenticeship programme. Additionally, we will train 20 more individuals in renewable energy management and technology,” he explained.

The project has already provided employment opportunities for several women in the community.

One such employee, Denise Tull, a mother of four, shared that she is now exposed to a new field of work, gaining valuable experience.

“I am proud to be a part of this project. For my family, it is an extra income, and it feels good waking up every morning knowing that I get to go to work, because I was unemployed for a very long time,” she told the media.

The project marks a significant milestone in Guyana’s journey towards a greener future. It forms part of the government’s ambitious Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, which aims to harness renewable energy while preserving Guyana’s forests. (DPI)