In a recent Facebook post, Hon. Deodat Indar MP addressed concerns from PNC member Ganesh Mahipaul regarding the Wakenaam Solar PV Hybrid System, outlining key facts about the project and its current status.
Indar clarified that the Wakenaam Solar PV Farm and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) was not funded by the Government of Guyana. Instead, the project was grant-funded through the UAE Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund, part of a regional initiative aimed at supporting renewable energy development in island and remote communities. The contractor and project manager were selected through international public tendering facilitated by the UAE.
Regarding the solar farm’s status, Indar reported that a fire incident occurred following the commissioning of the Solar Plant, due to thermal runaway in the battery system. Fortunately, the area has been contained, and all necessary safety protocols were implemented to protect personnel, equipment, and the environment, with no impact on the solar PV farm or surrounding infrastructure.
“The solar photovoltaic (PV) plant itself remains intact, safe, and fully functional,” he assured. Although the solar generation assets did not sustain damage, the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) decided against using solar power until the battery system is restored, as its absence could cause frequency fluctuations detrimental to the generation assets at the Wakenaam Power Plant.
Moving forward, Indar stated that the Solar PV Farm and BESS are under warranty, and GPL is collaborating with the grantor to restore the BESS to operational status. In the meantime, GPL has engaged other suppliers to ensure a timely restoration of the hybrid system’s functionality. Multiple site assessments have already been completed, and a solution to remedy the situation is in progress. The battery replacement is expected within eight weeks.
