The Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) today commissioned a 3 MWp solar photovoltaic farm at Charity, Essequibo Coast, marking the fifth utility-scale solar facility to come online under the Guyana Utility-Scale Solar Photovoltaic Programme (GUYSOL) in less than three months.
Constructed at a cost of US$18.14 million under the Guyana Utility Scale Solar PV Programme (GUYSOL), the Charity Solar Farm, supported by 2.25MW of battery energy storage, is expected to generate approximately 4,600MWh annually, offset nearly 3,500 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, and avoid about GY$267 million per year in fossil fuel generation costs.
This latest addition builds on the success of solar facilities at Onderneeming, Hampshire, Prospect, and Trafalgar, which collectively contribute 15 MWp of renewable energy to the national grid.
With the commissioning of Charity, total installed solar capacity under the programme now reaches 18 MWp, reflecting a sustained and coordinated effort to expand clean energy generation and support the Government of Guyana’s vision for a low-carbon, diversified energy future.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, highlighted the strategic importance of renewable energy investments for national and regional development, noting that the combined solar facilities at Onderneeming and Charity significantly strengthen Region Two’s power supply and reduce long-term generation costs.
Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, said the Charity Solar Farm forms part of a long-term, carefully planned national programme to modernise Guyana’s power sector and expand renewable energy generation across multiple regions. He noted that the investment was funded through resources earned under Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy in partnership with the Kingdom of Norway, rather than borrowing, and emphasized that Region Two has received a proportionate share of national investment to reduce diesel dependence, stabilise the grid, and lower operating costs.
Iván Gaviria, Chief of Operations of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), described the project as a long-term investment in reliable energy for communities.
He said the solar farm will provide dependable electricity to more than 16,000 homes, support schools and communities, and contribute meaningfully to Guyana’s low-carbon development goals—equivalent to removing approximately 100 cars from the road each year. He also noted that the project has created jobs and built technical skills through training and apprenticeship programmes.
Regional Chairman Devin Mohan said the Charity Solar Farm represents a landmark investment for Region Two and a clear demonstration of delivery and progress. He noted that the region is experiencing tangible improvements in reliability, service delivery, and productivity, and that the expanded and dependable energy capacity strengthens energy security while creating opportunities for investment, particularly in agro-processing, manufacturing, and tourism. He added that the project delivers employment, builds local capacity, and positions Region Two as an increasingly competitive destination for investors.
GPL’s Team Leader, Kesh Nandlall, thanked the Government, programme partners, and local communities for their support, reaffirming GPL’s commitment to implementing programmes and policies aligned with national energy priorities.
He explained that the Charity Solar Farm is a state-of-the-art facility built on a 10.8-acre site, featuring 4,928 solar modules, eight solar PV inverters, and a 2.25 MW, two-hour (4.5 MWh) Battery Energy Storage System. The 3 MWp system is capable of delivering up to 2.64 MW of solar power and 2.25 MW from battery storage, providing critical support to the Essequibo Coast grid. A new 13.8 kV transmission line connects the facility to the North Feeder, enhancing grid stability and reliability.
He added that the Charity Solar Farm complements the 5 MWp Onderneeming Solar Farm commissioned in November 2025. Together, the two facilities contribute 8 MWp of solar capacity and 12 MWh of battery storage to the Essequibo Coast grid. This combined capacity is expected to generate more than 12,300 MWh of energy annually, meeting over 20 per cent of Region Two’s projected 2026 electricity demand and significantly reducing dependence on imported fuel.
Funded through the Guyana–Norway partnership with an estimated investment of US$83.3 million, GUYSOL is delivering 33 MWp of solar capacity across Regions Two, Five, Six, and Ten. Upcoming installations in Region Ten will add an additional 15 MWp to the grid, further advancing Guyana’s transition to a resilient, diversified, and low-carbon energy sector.
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