A four megawatt peak (MWp) solar farm was officially commissioned by Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips on Saturday at Trafalgar, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice). The installation represents a significant step toward sustainable energy development in the region.
The Trafalgar Solar Farm was constructed at an estimated cost of US$8 million, fully financed through the Guyana–Norway climate partnership, under the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund administered by the Inter-American Development Bank.
Kesh Nandlall, Chief Executive Officer of Guyana Power and Light (GPL), noted that the solar farm would enhance the supply of clean energy in the ancient county. Solar farms convert sunlight into electricity, providing a renewable energy source that eliminates reliance on fossil fuels, particularly diesel.
Nandlall emphasized the positive impact of the project, stating that once operational, it would avoid the use of over 1.3 million liters of diesel, thereby saving the public purse approximately $300 million annually in avoided fuel costs. He also projected a reduction of 4,000 to 5,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year, highlighting that these benefits are advantageous not only for the environment but also for the economy.
Prime Minister Phillips reiterated the government’s dedication to investing in renewable energy as the demand for power grows. “These solar farms are a clear demonstration of our commitment to modernize Guyana’s energy sector. The Government of Guyana will continue to expand renewable energy sources for a sustainable future for all Guyanese,” he stated.
The Trafalgar solar farm is part of the Guyana Utility-Scale Solar Photovoltaic Programme (GUYSOL), which aims to deploy 33 MW of solar capacity across Regions Two, Five, Six, and Ten. Trafalgar joins existing solar sites at Prospect, Hampshire in Berbice, and Onderneeming and Charity in Essequibo, as part of the coordinated national effort to enhance renewable energy infrastructure.
