The 3 MW grid-tied solar photovoltaic (PV) plant to be installed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) is projected to save approximately US$800,000 annually in electricity costs when completed by June 2027.
Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Dr Mahender Sharma, explained that the system will generate electricity to offset the airport’s energy consumption during daylight hours, while excess power produced will be exported to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL).
He told the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Tuesday that the solar plant is expected to generate approximately 4,544 megawatt-hours of electricity annually, surpassing the airport’s current yearly consumption of about 3,637 megawatt-hours.
Beyond the financial benefits, the project is also expected to support Guyana’s transition to cleaner energy by reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions.
Over its 25-year lifespan, the facility is projected to generate more than 112 million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy while reducing approximately 72,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
Meanwhile, the project site has already been cleared, and several technical and engineering studies have been completed, including geotechnical investigations, PV layout design, shadow analysis, earthing studies and lightning protection assessments.
Detailed engineering designs have been finalised, while the project officials are currently reviewing and approving major components and equipment for the facility.
Additionally, major civil works are also expected to commence shortly, including foundation construction, mounting structure installation, cable trenching, inverter and transformer installation, and other works necessary to connect the system to the Guyana Power and Light Inc network.
The next phase will see the procurement and importation of solar photovoltaic equipment and supporting electrical infrastructure.