Latest update April 3rd, 2026 12:35 AM
GPL pumps $75M into Linden forest revival
(Kaieteur News) – The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) on Thursday said that through its Programme Execution Unit (PEU), it signed a $75 million Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) to advance reforestation and environmental restoration efforts in the Dacoura area in Linden, Region 10.
According to a statement from GPL, under the MOU eight hectares of previously replanted degraded land will be rehabilitated, and an additional five hectares will be planted with native tree species. Across these 13 hectares, the project is expected to support the growth of 13,000 to 26,000 trees, based on standard reforestation density.
Executives of the Guyana Power and Light Inc. and the Guyana Forest Commission at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Thursday.
“These restored forest areas will significantly contribute to carbon storage and offsetting, with projections showing that they can collectively store 286 to 572 tonnes of CO₂ annually once the trees reach maturity. Over a 20-year growth period, this represents an estimated 5,000 to 11,000 tonnes of CO₂ absorbed, strengthening Guyana’s long-term climate mitigation efforts,” GPL noted.
The agency added that currently, there are some three solar farms totalling 15 Megawatt peak (MWp) with 22 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery storage, under the Guyana Utility Scale Solar Photovoltaic Program, under development in Linden.
This initiative GPL noted, forms part of the Guyana Utility Scale Solar Photovoltaic Program (GUYSOL) commitment to offset environmental impacts from utility-scale solar projects and strengthen Guyana’s natural carbon sinks.
“Beyond carbon benefits, the reforestation of Dacoura will help restore native biodiversity, stabilise soils, reduce erosion, and protect the local watershed that supports Linden. The expansion of green cover will also enhance resilience against climate risks and contribute to healthier ecosystems for wildlife and surrounding communities,” GPL explained.
Speaking on the MOU, Leader of the Executive Management at GPL, Kesh Nandlall said “The conservation and protection of our environment and natural resources must always be a priority, and we remain committed to advancing Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy.”
On behalf of the Forestry Commission, Commissioner for Forest, Edward Goberdhan, noted that GFC welcomed the collaboration, noting the ecological importance of the Dacoura area and the value of restoring it for future generations.
In closing, the Power Company mentioned that it continues to support the Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) by investing in natural climate solutions that preserve the country’s environment while advancing renewable energy development projects.
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