Gas-to-Energy transmission network reaches 99% completion

Jul 08, 2026 News

(Kaieteur News) – Guyana’s Gas-to-Energy transmission network — the infrastructure that will carry electricity generated in Wales across the Demerara River and into homes, businesses and industries — is now 99 percent complete.

This is according to an update provided to the Department of Public Information (DPI) by Winston Brassington, Head of the Gas-to-Energy Taskforce and Consultant at the Ministry of Natural Resources.

The network functions much like an electrical highway system, moving power from a central source to the communities and industries that depend on a stable supply. Currently, Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) relies on imported Bunker C fuel to generate electricity for the national grid. Once the Gas-to-Energy project becomes operational, electricity generated from natural gas is expected to replace this costlier heavy fuel oil, translating into lower bills for consumers.

According to Brassington, crews have erected 370 transmission towers and poles and strung approximately 82 kilometres of power lines. Among the most striking structures are four river-crossing towers spanning the Demerara River, standing as high as 150 metres — roughly equivalent to a 40-storey building — and carrying electricity across the river via a double-circuit transmission system.

The completed network includes a 230-kilovolt (kV) transmission backbone running from Wales to Goedverwagting, supported by additional 69 kV corridors extending across the West Bank, Georgetown and the East Coast. Rather than each community generating power separately, the system is designed to operate as a single connected network, distributing energy from a central source to where it is needed most.

Three new substations, along with upgrades at Vreed-en-Hoop, are also substantially advanced and will help distribute electricity across the Demerara-Berbice Integrated System.

Brassington said procurement of transmission materials is complete, and the project has recorded more than two million safe man-hours without a fatality.

When energised, the network will carry electricity from the new 300-megawatt power plant being developed in Wales. Government projections indicate the first gas turbine is expected to come online by the end of 2026, with all turbines commissioned by the first quarter of 2027 and full combined-cycle operations targeted for June 2027.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali has repeatedly framed the Gas-to-Energy project as more than an energy investment, describing it as the foundation for Guyana’s transformation into a competitive, industrialised and low-carbon economy.

“This is not simply about electricity; this is about creating opportunities, lowering costs and building prosperity,” the President has said of the project’s national importance.

The Gas-to-Energy project is expected to cut electricity costs by roughly half, reduce dependence on imported fuel, and unlock new industrial opportunities once fully operational. (modified from DPI)

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