President Dr. Irfaan Ali has underscored the urgency of implementing Guyana’s gas monetization plan, stating it must be operational before the end of his term in 2031. “Any option that does not allow this country to monetize gas before 2030 will not have the type of support I would like to give,” he asserted during the Berbice Development Summit.
Addressing investors from around the globe, President Ali emphasized that the gas development strategy for Berbice should minimize debt financing while maximizing foreign direct investment and private sector involvement. He also highlighted the importance of local, regional, and diaspora participation, aiming to optimize value, resilience, and innovation throughout the initiative.
The President expressed a strong commitment to ensuring gas monetization occurs by 2030, stating, “I can’t run again, and I’m not leaving this decision for anyone after me.” He acknowledged that while he may not be a gas expert, he is keenly informed and has narrowed down several viable options for further exploration.
Scenarios for Gas Development
President Ali outlined four potential scenarios for gas development:
- Maximized Value Extraction: This involves separating gas fractions to create high-value export products, including a blue ammonia urea methanol complex. This scenario also proposes a gas-powered data center campus that creates new technology-driven jobs.
- Employment and Inclusion Focus: This option aims to generate maximum employment and local participation by diversifying across various mid-scale industries, such as fertilizer, steel, cement, and agro-processing.
- Domestic Resource Transformation: Utilizing low-cost gas energy, this scenario aims to convert raw materials into finished goods, enhancing domestic industries like cement, glass, and fertilizer production.
- Mega-Scale Development: Here, a single gas complex would monetize all gas fractions at one site, anchoring a national petrochemical brand and attracting downstream investors.
The President noted that regardless of the scenario prioritized—be it maximum export value, job creation, domestic transformation, or a mega-project—each one builds on the same foundational strategy.
Strategic Berbice Investments
Ali pointed to strategic investments in Berbice, including a two-gigawatt data center and multiple gas facilities. He also mentioned the potential for modular gas processing setups to support future industrialization in the region.
Emphasizing the potential benefits to Northern Brazil, particularly Roraima and Manaus, the President highlighted that Guyana can significantly shorten their transport time to the Atlantic, enhancing competitiveness.
The outcomes from the Berbice Development Agenda Summit will inform the upcoming Energy Conference in February 2026, at which further decisions regarding the investment platform will be made.
“We cannot waste time,” the President declared, citing examples of his expectations for ambitious, actionable ideas from his ministers. With an estimated 17 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas resources, the urgency and potential for development remain a focal point of national dialogue.
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