ONDERNEEMING, Essequibo Coast — Region Two (Pomeroon–Supenaam) has taken a major step toward energy sustainability with the commissioning of the $2.2 billion (US$10.4 million) Onderneeming Solar Farm — Guyana’s largest hybrid solar and battery storage facility to date.
The 5-megawatt-peak (MWp) solar plant, paired with a 7.5-megawatt-hour (MWh) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), was officially inaugurated on Saturday by Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, along with Minister of Public Utilities Deodat Indar and other senior officials. Representatives from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) also attended the event.
Spanning 13 acres, the advanced facility combines solar generation and energy storage to stabilize power supply on the Essequibo Coast. It captures excess solar energy during the day and releases it at night, delivering up to 4 MW of clean electricity to the grid and reducing the region’s dependence on diesel fuel.
The project marks a major milestone in the government’s ongoing transition to renewable energy under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). The Essequibo Coast currently operates with about 16 MW of installed diesel capacity, of which roughly 13 MW is active due to maintenance. The new solar plant—together with a 2.3 MW facility nearing completion at Charity—is expected to push total generation capacity to approximately 22.3 MW, nearly triple the region’s 8.5 MW peak demand.
“This project represents another step forward in our national efforts to deliver clean and affordable energy to the people of Guyana,” Prime Minister Phillips said at the ceremony. He assured residents that the shift toward renewables will not lead to higher tariffs, noting that savings from reduced fossil fuel use will directly benefit consumers.
Phillips also outlined the government’s broader energy vision, which includes constructing additional solar farms across the country, distributing 37,000 solar panels to hinterland communities, and commissioning a 125 MW hydropower project by 2031. “With energy and food security at the forefront, Guyana is moving closer to climate security,” he said, crediting President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s leadership for accelerating the country’s green energy transition.
Minister of Public Utilities Deodat Indar praised the project as a symbol of perseverance and collaboration, crediting the leadership of President Ali and Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo. “What we see here is the product of teamwork and vision. This is how the Low Carbon Development Strategy continues to transform Guyana’s energy landscape,” he said.
Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Executive Manager Kesh Nandlall described the development as “transformational,” noting that the new capacity improves reliability and allows for smoother generator maintenance schedules.
IDB Country Representative Lorena Solorzano applauded the initiative as a model of innovation under the Guyana–Norway climate partnership, which financed the project through an US$83.3 million facility administered by the bank. “Guyana is on track to achieving 19 per cent renewable energy integration,” Solorzano said, adding that more than 12,000 residents, along with schools and health institutions, will benefit.
She also highlighted the training of nine women in solar photovoltaic installation at the Charity site, calling it a strong example of inclusion and empowerment.
Regional Chairman Devin Mohan expressed pride in Region Two’s growing contribution to Guyana’s renewable energy goals. “Region Two continues to transform across every sector, and this solar farm is a shining example of that progress,” he said.
The Onderneeming Solar Farm was executed through a joint venture between SUMEC Complete Equipment and Engineering Co. Ltd. and XJ Group Corporation, with funding provided under the Guyana–Norway partnership.