Guyana adds new capacity to power grid

Guyana has commissioned an additional 15.6 megawatts of power following expansion of the Kingston Wartsila Power Plant operated by Guyana Power and Light company (GPL).

Two new generators were installed at the plant at a cost of US$20 million.

President Bharrat Jagdeo said at the commissioning ceremony that the demand for electricity has grown significantly as a result of growth in the local economy.

He said GPL was no longer a drain on the local treasury.

"Today, GPL pays its way," said the Guyanese president, adding, however, that the government would continue to make capital investments and support the power utility company.

"The recovery process is a pleasing one for me."

Guyana's electricity strategy is aligned with the Low Carbon Development Strategy, which looks to develop power from sources beyond oil.

Jagdeo, in that light, referenced a big hydro project that he said represented investment of about US$835 million, and the government hopes will become viable within 20 years.

GPL chairman, Winston Brassington, said that the two projects have added a combined capacity of more than 36 megawatts to the national grid over the past few months.