President Irfaan Ali made a surprise midnight visit to the Gas-to-Energy project site at Wales, where he observed the pouring of concrete for the fourth and final gas turbine foundation—calling it a major step forward for one of Guyana’s most transformational developments.
“This is a very significant night,” Ali said as floodlights illuminated the power plant site. “There is tremendous work taking place here—a lot of intricate and highly engineered construction.”
The president said the completion of the fourth turbine foundation signals increased momentum. He noted that the contractor, consultant and project team have committed to working 24 hours a day to accelerate progress and recover time on the schedule.
According to Ali, the fully equipped on-site Man Camp—designed to support 24/7 operations—has been completed. The facility features air conditioning, hot and cold water, an infirmary and all essential amenities to ensure worker comfort.
“The labor force here will more than double in the coming weeks as we push to remain on track,” Ali said.
The president also credited the new Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge for expediting construction. The bridge allows the transport of heavy equipment and steel at any time of day, eliminating previous nighttime restrictions.
“This single improvement is accelerating work in a very meaningful way,” he said.
Winston Brassington who heads the Gas-to-Energy Task Force, provided an update, explaining that civil works are progressing steadily from the power plant to the northern substation and onward to the Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility.
“All four gas turbine foundations will be completed by December,” Brassington said. “Most of the project’s major equipment has already been manufactured. Much of it is in the country, more is being shipped, and by early January the majority will be on-site.”
He added that after major components are installed, the project will move into detailed mechanical and electrical work, including pipefitting and cable installation.
“The intention is to have everything completed by next year,” he said.
The Gas-to-Energy project is designed to deliver broad economic benefits. It will generate 300 megawatts of electricity through a combined-cycle system using gas and steam, significantly improving national power capacity. It will also produce more than 4,000 barrels of natural gas liquids (cooking gas) per day, with 20 percent allocated for local use and 80 percent for export—leading to lower domestic cooking gas prices.
Once operational, the project is expected to reduce national electricity tariffs by 50 percent and allow GPL to provide cheaper, more reliable power. Key infrastructure works are already advancing, with the offshore pipeline completed and transmission lines substantially finished.
President Ali said the project is central to the nation’s future.
“Tonight is not just about concrete,” he said. “It is about building the foundation for affordable energy, industrial development and a better life for every Guyanese.”