From flambos to full power: Batavia lights up

The once-dark nights in Batavia, Region Seven, are now brightly lit, as the remote village celebrates its first-ever access to 24-hour electricity. This milestone comes with the completion of a government-installed solar farm that now powers every wired home in the community free of cost.

Located along the Cuyuni River, Batavia has long faced the challenges of energy poverty. Residents traditionally relied on kerosene lamps, firewood, and expensive fuel-powered generators to light their homes. That era has now ended, thanks to a renewable energy project spearheaded by the Guyana Energy Agency under the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy.

“I’m seeing great development and I know that every resident here is so happy,” said resident Donna Boyal. “Some people really depended on generators, and now everyone has current from the solar farm.”

For Batavia, the transition to clean energy has been gradual. Villagers first used torchlights, then small individual solar kits. Now, a fully integrated solar grid brings consistent electricity to the entire community — a change that’s having a major impact on daily life, especially for schoolchildren.

“Before, we had to buy kerosene and light flambo,” recalled Fitzroy McWatt, another resident. “We then moved to torchlights, and later bought independent solar lights. But this solar grid saves a lot of cost, and it’s very helpful for the children in the community especially for homework and assignments. Studying under a flambo light would hurt your eyes.”

Batavia joins dozens of Indigenous and hinterland communities across Guyana that are benefitting from government-led renewable energy initiatives. Through projects like these, the country continues to push towards energy equity — lighting the way, one village at a time.