GPL signs US$27.3M contract with PowerChina for battery energy storage system

The Government of Guyana, through Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), has signed a landmark contract with PowerChina International Group Limited for the engineering, procurement and construction of a 60 MWh / 30 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), along with associated substation expansions and systems integration, at a contract sum of US$27,366,171.06.

The contract signing was led by Kesh Nandlall, Head of GPL’s Executive Management Committee, along with Divisional Director Ryan Ross and other personnel from GPL and PowerChina International Group Limited.

Under the project, two 30 MWh / 15 MW lithium-ion battery systems will be installed at the New Sophia and Goedverwagting substations in Region Four. The project will add 30 MW of power to GPL’s grid and significantly improve the stability and reliability of the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS).

The systems will be integrated with the Guyana National Control Centre (GNCC) through modern SCADA, Energy Management and Automatic Generation Control systems. The project also includes spare parts, maintenance services and training for GPL engineers and is expected to be completed within eight months.

Speaking during the signing, Mr. Nandlall noted that the project represents a major step in strengthening Guyana’s electricity infrastructure.

He explained that the Battery Energy Storage System will help reduce the frequency and duration of outages, improve power restoration through its black start capability and support the integration of renewable energy sources in keeping with Guyana’s LCDS 2030 goals.