Diversifying our energy matrix - a considerable challenge and an opportunity

Diversifying our energy matrix – a considerable challenge and an opportunity

Jun 17, 2018 APNU Column, Features / Columnists

Greening the energy sector in Guyana, by substantially increasing investment in renewable energy, provides an opportunity to make a significant contribution to addressing the challenges of 1) concerns about energy security; 2) combating climate change; 3) reducing pollution and public-health hazards; and 4) addressing energy poverty.

Renewable energy is derived from natural processes that are replenished constantly. In its various forms, it derives directly or indirectly from the sun, or from heat generated deep within the earth. Included in the definition is energy generated from solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, hydropower and ocean resources, and biofuels and hydrogen derived from renewable resources (IEA 2008a).

In his address at the commencement of the eleventh Parliament of Guyana. His Excellency President David Granger laid out his visions for the ‘greening’ of our economy. The President said:

“Your Government envisages a green Guyana. We shall exploit Guyana’s favourable geographical location and abundant assets in order to develop a ‘green economy’ – one that generates human happiness in ways that are consistent with economic exploitation of its natural resources. We see a ‘green economy’ as one that sustains economic prosperity, environmental security and social well-being. It will allow the current generation to satisfy its needs without jeopardizing the opportunity of future generations to satisfy theirs.

We shall confront the challenges of solid waste management, coastal zone conservation, flooding, public health and damage to rivers and forests by poorly-regulated mining and logging practices. We shall introduce a strategy to protect the population from hazards, to preserve the environment from further degradation and to sustain development.

Your Government will introduce an energy policy that utilizes our wind, water and solar power to provide cheap, renewable electricity to more Guyanese in our urban, rural, riverain and hinterland communities.

We shall support the responsible exploitation of the hinterland’s mineral and other natural resources. We shall ensure, however, that the livelihood of the residents is sustained and that the environment is protected by the rigorous enforcement of environmental legislation”.

Guyana has a rich endowment of potential for renewable energy that can help meet and surpass our short and long-term energy needs. According to the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), there are 67 identified potential hydro-electricity generation sites in Guyana. Solar Electricity is already being used in a limited way, particularly in the hinterland regions. Under the Unserved Areas Electrification Programme (UAEP), a number of communities have received solar photovoltaics’ home systems. Seven hundred residents of Mabaruma will by August enjoy seventeen hours of clean and reliable electricity with the completion of Guyana’s first ever solar farm.
The $264Million farm in the Barima Waini Region covers ten acres on Khan’s Hill and will provide power to Mabaruma and the surrounding areas. Currently, the Mabaruma Power Company provides only eight hours of electricity per day.
Other solar farms at Lethem in Region Nine, Mahdia in Region Eight and at Bartica in Region Seven are planned. These farms are anticipated to generate 800, 400, and 1.5 kilowatts of electricity respectively. They are all part of the government’s plan to move Guyana towards becoming a ‘Green State’.

Wind energy has been explored and has good prospects. These opportunities must be considered within the context of sound environmental practices. Biomass also presents the opportunity for diversifying the sugar industry, providing income generation opportunities as well as providing a relatively cheap source of power.

The development of these resources must be given priority as part of our national development and national security strategy. Diversifying our energy matrix thus presents both a considerable challenge and an opportunity.

Diversifying energy sources is not a new concept, nor is it unique to Guyana. In the United States of America, solar, wind, geothermal, bioenergy and water energy are all part of that country’s Climate Action plan. Developed countries, in the context of Climate change issues are driving the growth of renewable and ‘green energy’. This means that outside of producing clean energy for domestic purposes, there is a huge potential for income generation. There are significant economic opportunities for countries that manufacture and produce clean energy.

In a report compiled by the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Green Economy initiative in collaboration with economists and experts worldwide. It was demonstrated that the greening of economies did not generally place a drag on growth; rather ‘green economies’ proved to be net generators of decent jobs, and a vital strategy for the elimination of poverty.

With high rates of unemployment and underemployment especially among the youth population, Guyana has a great opportunity for transformation and job growth. Training in science and technology is already a focus of this administration. This will allow the young people of Guyana to be able to take advantage of an expanding industry. The new well- paying jobs that will be accrued by the creation of ‘Wind and Solar Farms’; the building and operation of recycling plants for plastic, paper, bottles and car tires etc.; the banning of non-bio-degradable substances like Styrofoam, can all prove to be transformational for both the economy and the environment.

Placing environmental protection at the forefront of a green energy sector means that natural resources can be exploited in a way that ensures sustainability while becoming an economic driver, which provides cheaper energy sources, creates jobs and ensures public health.