Guyana Hydro-Power Construction Likely to Start by Year End

Georgetown,

Guyana (GINA)

The Caribbean should be pushing for renewable energy because of its vulnerability to fossil fuels, Head of State, Bharrat Jagdeo, has said and in this regard and despite challenges, Guyana would be pursuing renewable energy in the form of hydropower, one way or another. Guyana Power & Light Inc. Chairman, Winston Brassington, noted that it is likely that construction of the Amaila Falls hydropower plant will start by year end.

The project which has the capacity to provide over 140 megawatts of electricity is to be located along the Kuribrong River in Potaro, Region Eight. Guyana’s fuel import bill is US$350 million, and the President has said that the development of renewable energy sources is needed to increase energy security and maintain macro-economic stability.

Guyana to build Hydro Power Plant

GEORGETOWN, Guyana – The government of Guyana has given its commitment  to pursuing renewable energy in the form of hydro power. Guyana’s Power and Light Inc Chairperson, Winston Brassington has stated that construction of the Amaila Falls Hydro power plant is anticipated to begin by year’s end. The project, which has the capacity to provide over 140 megawatts of electricity will be located along the Kuribrong River in Potaro, Region Eight and will be managed by New York based project developers Sithe Global Power, LLC. Sithe is also willing to provide equity in the sum of US$100M.

Guyana’s Amaila Falls Hydropower Project is part of a larger effort to revolutionize the country’s power generation infrastructure. Guyana’s President Bharrat Jagdeo indicated that Guyana needs to secure approximately US$600M for the construction of a hydro power plant which can provide electricity to the entire country. He further indicated that another US$50M may be needed for the creation of systems and transmissions. In total, the cost of construction and implementation is approximately three times more than that required for fossil fuel investment; however, even though a major undertaking, the construction of the hydro plant is expected to be fully subsidized by the international community since is it a renewable energy project.