1600 residents to benefit as 3 solar farm commissioned in Region 9 communities
24 October 2026
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips was in Region Nine on Friday to commission three solar farms in Katoonarib, Potarinau and Shulinab, as the Government of Guyana continues to expand access to reliable and sustainable electricity in hinterland communities.
At Katoonarib, the Prime Minister commissioned a solar energy system representing an investment of approximately G$33 million, comprising 41.5 kW of solar panels and 187 kWh of battery storage.
The system will provide electricity to key public buildings, including health and educational facilities, improving healthcare delivery, supporting learning opportunities and creating possibilities for small-scale economic activities.
Addressing residents, Prime Minister Phillips emphasised that the investment represents more than the provision of electricity. He noted that it forms part of President Dr Irfaan Ali’s commitment to ensuring that development reaches communities across Guyana, regardless of their location.
Katoonarib is among 56 villages benefiting from similar solar energy initiatives, in keeping with the objectives of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030.
Over at Potarinau, another G$33 million solar mini-grid was commissioned on Friday and will benefit approximately 685 residents across 123 households in the community.
The newly commissioned system comprises 41.5 kW of solar capacity and 187 kWh of battery storage, providing electricity to key public buildings, including educational facilities, the health centre, village offices and other community facilities.
Prime Minister Phillips reiterated the Government’s wider commitment to expanding renewable energy access and ensuring that hinterland communities benefit from national development.
In fact, he noted that eight villages across Region Nine are benefiting from similar initiatives under the 2025–2026 programme, adding that improved electricity access, coupled with internet connectivity, will create greater opportunities for education, professional development, agriculture, agro-processing and small businesses.
The Prime Minister also encouraged residents to take ownership of the facility and ensure its proper maintenance, noting that the system could serve the community for more than 20 years with appropriate care and periodic replacement of components.
Also commissioned on Friday was a G$44 million solar mini-grid in Shulinab, which comprises 46 kW of solar generating capacity and 208 kWh of battery storage, providing electricity to essential public buildings, including educational and healthcare facilities.
Reflecting on other initiatives in Shulinab, including a newly constructed secondary school, improved road infrastructure and an ICT hub, PM Phillips highlighted how access to electricity and internet connectivity can strengthen healthcare delivery, support educational advancement and create opportunities for economic development.
He further reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to extending reliable, clean energy across the hinterland, improving access to essential services and supporting better livelihoods for residents in remote communities.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by the Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Agency, Dr Mahendar Sharma, during the three-community solar commissioning exercise in Region Nine on Friday.
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