Phillips: Guyana’s clean energy transition will deliver equity and opportunity for all

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) the Honourable Mark Phillips says Guyana’s transition to a low-carbon economy is designed to ensure equity and opportunity for every citizen, as the Government advances major projects under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030.

“Guyana remains dedicated to achieving a low-carbon economy through innovation, inclusion, and bold policies that safeguard our forests and communities. Our actions reflect the belief that clean and renewable energy development is about ensuring equity and opportunity so that every citizen benefits from the transition,” he told energy leaders and policymakers at the 55th Latin American Energy Organisation (OLADE) Meeting of Energy Ministers in Santiago, Chile.

The Prime Minister highlighted the Gas-to-Energy Project as a central part of this transition, with Phase I currently constructing a 300MW natural gas-fired power plant, followed by Phase II, which will add a 300MW combined-cycle plant and a natural gas liquids facility.

Together, the projects will supply 600MW of power, reduce emissions, and lower costs for consumers.

He also pointed to progress in renewable energy, including the 165MW Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, smaller plants at Kumu, Moco Moco, and Kato with a combined 2.35MW, and several medium-scale sites under review.

Solar power is being expanded through more than 36MW in utility-scale farms, 56 mini-grids, and over 6MW of rooftop systems across 452 public buildings, ICT hubs, and agricultural facilities.

In addition, more than 37,000 solar home systems have been distributed to hinterland and riverine communities, directly benefitting some 140,000 people.

On clean transportation, Phillips said 23 electric vehicle charging stations have been installed and fiscal incentives introduced to support electric mobility and green investments. He also cited grid modernisation with upgrades to substations, transmission and distribution systems, and the deployment of battery energy storage technology.

“OLADE has been an important partner for regional integration and sustainable energy development. There is room to further leverage this platform to pursue innovative solutions, tailored financial instruments, and de-risking mechanisms to address climate change mitigation and adaptation,” he added.

Phillips emphasised Guyana’s international role in advocating for climate finance, technology transfer, and fair treatment of tropical forest countries in global carbon markets.

“These accomplishments are not ends in themselves but are stepping stones for a more resilient, equitable, and low-carbon future. Guyana’s journey demonstrates that a small tropical forest country can achieve outsized climate and energy results. By combining sound policies, community engagement, and international cooperation, we have positioned ourselves as a regional and global advocate for sustainable energy,” he said.

The Prime Minister closed by stressing Guyana’s ongoing commitment to collaboration and expansion of clean energy initiatives.

“Guyana will continue to engage and work in partnership with multiple stakeholders to roll out clean and renewable energy initiatives, adapt to the challenges posed by climate change, and encourage sustainable energy-efficient lifestyles while building capacity to facilitate the requisite technical and regulatory support for effective clean energy transitions,” he affirmed.