Guyana: About 200 Amerindian locals to benefit from Solar Home Energy Systems

Kopinang, Guyana: The Government of Guyana took the 'Solar Home Energy Systems' initiative in the Amerindian Village of Kopinang, region 8

Monday, 15th January 2024

Govt's Solar Home Energy Systems launch at Amerindian Village

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Kopinang, Guyana: The Government of Guyana took the 'Solar Home Energy Systems' initiative in the Amerindian Village of Kopinang, Region Eight, on Sunday. This initiative will provide about 200 households with solar panels over the next few days. As per the information, the Solar Home Energy Systems initiative was taken to benefit communities and help people maintain and minimise the level of carbon footprint (greenhouse gas effect) in the country. In order to launch this project in the Amerindian Village, Pauline Sukhai - Minister of Amerindian Affairs, accompanied by various government authorities, travelled to the village to officially launch the programme. These delegations include :

Dr Amit Shivkumar Telang- the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana
Mukesh Kaushik- First Secretary at the High Commission,
Dr G Rudra Narishma Rao from the Guyana Energy Agency, among others.

Reportedly, this execution in the Amerindian Village will help secure the village's energy, which has long-needed reliable and affordable power sources. Following the launching, the team was taken to the Kopinang Waterfall, nestled in the mountainous terrain of the village. Notably, As per the previous records, Guyana has benefitted over 300 people in hinterland and riverine communities from this government’s project in the first quarter of 2023. Each system is designed with a 160 Watts solar PV panel, a charge controller unit with a 48 Ampere-hour lithium-ion battery to power two 9-watt LED lamps and one 12-watt desk fan, and is also equipped with two USB ports for charging portable electronic devices.

Solar Energy in Guyana

The nation is currently dependent on imported petroleum-based fuels and other energy sources. This is the main source of energy for the country. However, the Energy sector has been implementing various initiatives and projects to significantly transform and develop its indigenous renewable energy resources and pursue 100% renewable energy in electricity generation. As to the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), Guyana receives an average of 1,800 kWh/m2 annually. Due to this, most of the landmarks across Guyana have excellent solar insolation levels and are ideal for solar PV generation.