Hinterland energy in Guyana

This article deals with Hinterland energy issues. For electricity in general, see the article Electricity sector in Guyana.

Background

About 80% of the population in Guyana live along the coastal plain, with access to the electricity grid. The areas outside the coastal plain are referred to as hinterland, where the population mostly consists of Amerindian communities. These communities have little access to modern energy services such as electricity, light and modern fuels for cooking and transportation. Several initiatives are in place to improve energy services in the hinterland.

Stakeholders and involved parties

Many offices and organisations are active in issues relating to energy development in the hinterland, some of which are listed below:

Acronym	Full Name	Description	Location
OPM	Office of Prime Minister	Responsibility for energy sector	Georgetown
MoAA	Ministry of Amerindian Affairs	Beneficiary in many projects	Georgetown
GEA	Guyana Energy Agency	Energy policies, advice, recommendations	Georgetown
OP	Office of President / LCDS	Responsibility on GRIF	Georgetown
IAST	Institute of Applied Science and Technology	Research on agro energy	Georgetown
IDB	Inter-American Development Bank	Financing	Georgetown
UNDP	United Nations Development Programme	Development	Georgetown
Caricom	Caribbean Community	Caribbean Community	Georgetown
CREDP	Caribbean Renewable Energy Dev.Prog.	CARICOM Renewable Energy	St. Lucia
OLADE	Latin American Energy Organization	Latin American Energy Organisation	Ecuador
CIDA	Canadian International Development Agency	Canadian International Development Agency	Canada
JICA	Japan International Cooperation Agency	Japanese development Agency	Georgetown
Eerepami	Eerepami Regenwald Stiftung	NGO Foundation Germany-Guyana	Germany
SIDS DOCK	Small Islands Developing States cooperation	Platform to assist SIDS to develop sustainable energy	New York
Peace Corps	Peace Corps Guyana	Community Development thru Capacity Building	Georgetown

Projects and initiatives

Unserved Areas Electrification Programme (GoG,OPM,IDB 2004-2010)

The Government of Guyana (GoG) started the implementation of the Unserved Areas Electrification Programme (UAEP) with loan support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in 2004, which had several components, including extending electric grid coverage of Guyana Power and Light Inc., reducing losses, management and operational support and a Customer Information System. It also had a hinterland energy component, using Solar Home Systems (SHS) and community-based systems for schools to provide community and household access to electricity. The systems in Yarakita, Capoey, Kurukubaru and Muritaro comprised a 125W monocrystalline panel and flooded lead acid battery. The schools in these villages received 250W system with inverter, 8x25W bulbs and 120V outlets. Another 12 villages received a total of 1200 SHS with 65W panels and maintenance-free AGM battery, and one 260W system for the school. Wind speed measurements were carried out in Orealla, Jawalla, Campbelletown and Yupukari, but wind power potential was found to be insufficient^[1]

Rural Electrification Project (GEA, OLADE, CIDA 2009)

Solar controller used in SHS

This project was funded by CIDA, implemented jointly by the Latin American Energy Organisation OLADE and the University of Calgary-Haskayne School of Business. The Guyana Energy Agency GEA was the national supporting agency. The project focused on the village of Wowetta and it included 5 components: 49 Solar Home Systems (40W MC Kyocera panel, 92Ah Deka AGM battery, 8 Amp Steca controller, one 7W and one 15W CFL 12V lightbulb), a freezer for the village shop (SunDanzer 24V freezer, 2x130W Kyocera panels, a 15 Amp Steca controller and two 12V lightbulbs), a Lorenz submersible water pump for irrigation of vegetable garden (four 85W panels, Lorenz 200 pump controller), an electric 110V cassava mill powered by a diesel generator, and a joinery shop. A field visit in May 2011 showed that the SHS and solar freezer were working well, but the water pump was defective. In addition, due to several overcast days the freezer was temporarily emptied due to insufficient cooling.

Hinterland Electrification by Renewable Energy Pilot Project (UNDP/OPM 2006-2008)

Efficient wood stove used in Orealla

The purpose of this project was capacity building and demonstration of renewable energy. It was funded by UNDP and implemented by Office of Prime Minister. During this project, 3 PV systems were installed for income generation, one in Wauna to support a peanut processing business, one in Kato for a vaccine freezer and battery charging service and one in Orealla to support Fruit Cheese production. Also, efficient woodstoves were introduced in Orealla and Kato to reduce firewood consumption and respiratory illnesses from smoke inhalation. Wind measurement was carried out in Paramakatoi, but proved insufficient for wind power generation

In Kato an opportunity was identified to use small hydro-power at the Chiung River to operate a water pump for irrigation purposes, and a prefeasibility study was carried out. In 2011 the hydro-power option is pursued by OPM and under EU support to provide the school in Kato with electricity and irrigation for the nearby fields.

Energy Services at Community Level for MDG achievement in Hinterland area (UNDP/OPM/GEA 2010-2015)

Parabolic solar cooker

The United Nations Development Programme UNDP has initiated a project on delivering energy services to hinterland areas. However, this project also targets other energy needs besides electricity, like cooking and transportation and it focuses specifically on community needs. It builds on the experiences of 2006 project and will be carried out in two phases during 2011-2012 and 2013-2015. In the first phase a needs assessment survey will be carried out in Regions 1 and 7 to identify specific energy needs and potential energy sources.

Solar Home Light kits (GEA, MoFA)

Portable solar light kit

In 2009 the Guyana Energy Agency and Office of Prime Minister in collaboration with Ministry of Amerindian Affairs provided 1000 portable solar light kits to 19 Villages in Regions 1,2,7,8 and 9. The kit consists of a 15W panel, a charge control cabinet containing a 20Ah battery and three 11W CFL light bulbs.^[1] In 2011 another 100 solar light kits were procured, with new design and LED light bulbs.

Hinterland Electrification Programme, 11.000 Solar Home Systems (OP/OPM/GRIF 2011)

In 2011 GoG will invest more on distributed PV technology when 11.000 Solar Home Systems (65W)^[2][3] are being deployed to mostly Amerindian Hinterland and riverine communities as part of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). The systems will be equipped with maintenance-free AGM batteries. Due to delays in accessing funding by the Guyana Redd+ Investment Fund (GRIF) the acquired equipment will be paid from the national treasury and the Government will seek retroactive financing.^[2]

The project will also include training the communities to install and maintain their systems.

Eerepami Foundation Projects

This German foundation Eerepami Regenwaldstiftung has carried out several renewable energy initiatives in Guyana. In Bina Hill and Shell Beach 1 kW PV systems have been installed, and the Bina Hill system will later be extended to 11 kW. In Annai and Agatash a set of 100 solar lights have been distributed. The foundation also encourages other hinterland activities and volunteering.

Peace Corps Capacity Building

After identifying the lack of knowledge on PV technology the Peace Corps has initiated efforts to provide engineering support to specific locations in the Hinterland as well as prepare training for community volunteers in 2011. Support consisted of 2 volunteers stationed in Region 1 and Region 9.

Mobile phone base stations in off-grid areas

Mobile Base Station

Mobile operators (Digicel and GTT) are expanding their coverage to off-grid areas and thus require electricity for the base stations. As conventional diesel generators face maintenance and fuel cost issues and the price of PV equipment is declining, it is envisaged that mobile base stations will be powered by PV systems. Digicel has already installed PV power systems in the villages of Wakapau, Kwebana, Red Hill and Mathews Ridge. 58 miles and Mahdia Trail will get PV later in 2011, and Mahdia, Port Kaituma and Mabaruma in 2012. To support local communities and improve the mobile communication potential a phone charging service is provided to the communities free of charge.

Private installations

Holiday cabin using solar power

Several private users and tourism businesses have installed renewable energy systems in the Hinterland. PV electricity, typically using diesel backup, is in use at least at Iwokrama Field Station, Surama Ecolodge, Gamell's Back Shop (Kumaka R1),Adel's Eco-Resort, Arrow Point and Karanambu.

Amaila Falls Hydro Energy Power

The Amaila Falls Hydro Energy Plant is not directly targeting energy needs in the Hinterland, but the plants remote location in Region 7 and the vast logistics of construction, access and transmission lines for the largest investment project in Guyana will be a significant development for the Hinterland. The designed electrical power is 165MW, which exceeds the national electricity demand. The project would offer the opportunity for Guyana to move from a nearly complete reliance on imported fuels to self-sufficiency in primary energy demand for electricity production.

CREDP/GIZ

The Caricom Renewable Energy Development Programme CREDP is a joint project of CARICOM and the German International Cooperation GIZ, formerly GTZ, delivering technical expertise to renewable energy projects. CREDP seeks to remove barriers for the use of Renewable Energy and application of Energy Efficiency measures in the Caribbean Region. In Guyana, CREDP is currently providing technical support to a small hydro-power project in Kato, as well as a business in Georgetown in utilising PV.

SIDS DOCK

The SIDS DOCK Support Programme is a joint initiative of UNDP and the World Bank, developed in close consultation with the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS). This initiative aims to support Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to transition to low-emission economies through development and deployment of renewable energy resources and promotion of greater energy efficiency. An important component is the one-stop-shop function, facilitating SIDS’s access to global financial flows, especially from the carbon market enabling them to fund transformational energy policies.

The programme will be implemented over a period of 18 months, from July 2011 to December 2012. At present, funding of USD 14.5 million has been mobilized from the Government of Denmark.

PV installations

Photovoltaic systems can be Solar Home Systems, installations for a specific application (like a water pump or freezer) or community or mini-grids serving multiple users.

Photovoltaic household systems

Regions of Guyana

No public records exist on private solar home systems in use in Guyana. However, several development projects have comprising solar home system (SHS) installations or portable systems (Pico-PV) for small lights etc. have been carried out in Hinterland villages. These projects typically use a one size fits all approach to serve a large number of beneficiaries.

Region	Village	Purpose	Responsible	Watts per unit	Units	Installed	PV system status in 2012
1	Hobodeia	SHS	UAEP	65	?	2008[1]	90% sys Functional[4]
1	Red Hill	SHS	UAEP	65	?	2008[1]	?
1	Sebai	SHS	UAEP	65	?	2008[1]	?
1	Yarakita	SHS	UAEP	125	104	2008[1]	15% sys functional, Trojan Wet batteries dead to misuse[4]
2	Capoey	SHS	UAEP	125	66	2008[1]	?
2	St Denys	SHS	UAEP	65	?	2008[1]	?
3	Santa Aratuk	SHS	UAEP	65	?	2008[1]	?
3	Swarte Hoek	SHS		175	62	1997[1]	?
7	Jawalla	SHS	UAEP	65	?	2008[1]	?
7	Paruima	SHS	UAEP	65	?	2008[1]	?
8	Chenapou	SHS	UAEP	65	?	2008[1]	?
8	Kurukubaru	SHS	UAEP	125	101	2008[1]	?
8	Waipa	SHS	UAEP	65	?	2008[1]	?
9	Sand Creek	SHS	UAEP	65	?	2008[1]	?
9	Wowetta	SHS	GEA-CIDA	40	49	2009[1]	?
9	Yupukari	SHS	UAEP	65	?	2008[1]	?
10	Muritaro	SHS	UAEP	125	62	2008[1]	?
10	Rockstone	SHS	UAEP	65	?	2008[1]	?
1	Four Miles	Small light	GEA-OPM	15	70	2010[1]	?
1	Hotaquai	Small light	GEA-OPM	15	84	2010[1]	10% Functioning[4]
2	Mashabo	Small light	GEA-OPM	15	70	2010[1]	?
7	Arau	Small light	GEA-OPM	15	34	2010[1]	?
7	Kaikan	Small light	GEA-OPM	15	56	2010[1]	?
8	Kaibarupai	Small light	GEA-OPM	15	68	2010[1]	?
8	Kanapang	Small light	GEA-OPM	15	63	2010[1]	?
8	Tuseneng	Small light	GEA-OPM	15	40	2010[1]	?
9	Bashanzon	Small light	GEA-OPM	15	31	2010[1]	?
9	Kaimatta	Small light	GEA-OPM	15	21	2010[1]	?
9	Katoka	Small light	GEA-OPM	15	92	2010[1]	?
9	Katoonarib	Small light	GEA-OPM	15	65	2010[1]	?
9	Kwatamang	Small light	GEA-OPM	15	67	2010[1]	?
9	Paipang	Small light	GEA-OPM	15	25	2010[1]	?
9	Parikwarunai	Small light	GEA-OPM	15	45	2010[1]	?
9	Rupertree	Small light	GEA-OPM	15	52	2010[1]	?
9	Surama	Small light	GEA-OPM	15	50	2010[1]	?
9	Tiger pond	Small light	GEA-OPM	15	30	2010[1]	?
9	Toka	Small light	GEA-OPM	15	37	2010[1]	?

Photovoltaic community systems

Solar systems for community use or specific consumers are generally larger in size, and designed specifically to meet the electric load.

Region	Village	Purpose	Responsible	Watts per unit	Installed	Status in 2012
1	Hobodeia	School	UAEP	260	2008	[1]
1	Kwebana	GSM base station	Digicel	1000-2000	2011	[5]
1	Mathews Ridge	GSM base station	Digicel	1000-2000	2011[5]
1	Port Kaituma	GSM base station	Digicel	1000-2000	2012	Not ready yet[5]
1	Red Hill	School	UAEP	260	2008	[1]
1	Red Hill	GSM base station	Digicel	1000-2000	2011	[5]
1	Sebai	School	UAEP	260	2008[1]	Functional[4]
1	Shell Beach	Health Centre	Eerepami	1000	2011[6]	Functional[4]
1	Mabaruma (Thomas Hill)	GSM base station	Digicel	10,000	2011[5]	Fully Functional[4]
1	Warapoka	Health Centre		110	2007	[1]
1	Waramuri	Public buildings	IAST		2002	[7]
1	Yarakita	School	UAEP	250	2008	Batteries dead, solar array partly missing[4]
2	Bethany	Public buildings	IAST		2002	[7]
2	Capoey	School	UAEP	250	2008	[1]
2	St Denys	School	UAEP	260	2008	[1]
2	Wakapoa	GSM base station	Digicel	10,000	2011	[4]
2	Wakapoa	Public buildings	IAST		2002	[7]
3	Agatash	Lamp recharging	Eerepami	300?	2011	[6]
3	Karia Karia	Health Centre		110	2007	[1]
3	Santa Aratuk	School	UAEP	260	2008	[1]
4	St. Cuthberts Mission	Public buildings	IAST		2002	[7]
5	St Culbert	Pump		1800	2006	[1]
6	Orealla	Business		2450	2009	[1]
6	Orealla	Public buildings	IAST		2002	[7]
7	Imbamadai	Health Centre		110	2008	[1]
7	Jawalla	School	UAEP	260		[1]
7	Kamarang	Learning Centre	EFA FTI	960	2011	[8]
7	Paruima	School	UAEP	260		[1]
7	Paruima	Business		1008	2004	[1]
8	Chenapou	School	UAEP	260	2008	[1]
8	GRA	Office		5000	2010	[8]
8	Iwokrama	Field station use	Private	2300	2008	[9]
8	Kaieteur	Business		1272	2004	[1]
8	Kato	Health Centre		1008	2005	[1]
8	Kurukubaru	School	UAEP	250	2008	[1]
8	Mahdia	GSM base station	Digicel	1000-2000	2012	[5]
8	Mahdia Trail	GSM base station	Digicel	1000-2000	2011	Not ready yet[5]
8	Monkey Mountain	Health Centre		110	2007	[1]
8	Waipa	School	UAEP	260	2008	[1]
9	Aishalton	Pump		1800	2006	Not Working[1]
9	Annai	Pump		1272	2004	[1]
9	Apoteri	Health Centre		110	2007	[1]
9	Bina Hill	Community use	Eerepami	11000	2011	Not installed yet[6]
9	Karanambu	Lodge	Private	500	2008	OK[10]
9	Karasabai	Pump		1272	2004	[1]
9	Kwaimatta	Pump				Panel Cracked[10]
9	Kwaimatta	School		250		[10]
9	Maruranau	Community use		1000	2011	[8]
9	Massara	School		250		OK[10]
9	Massara	Pump				OK[10]
9	Sand Creek	School	UAEP	260	2008	[1]
9	Sand Creek	Pump		1800	2006	[1]
9	Wowetta	Freezer in shop	GEA-CIDA	260	2009	OK[9]
9	Wowetta	Pump	GEA-CIDA	340	2009	Pump out of order[1]
9	Yupukari	School	UAEP	260	2008	[1]
9	Yupukari	Pump		1800	2006	Not Working[1]
9	Yupukari	Caiman House	Private	3900		OK[10]
9	Yupukari	Pump Caiman H.	Private			OK[10]
10	58 Miles	GSM base station	Digicel	1000-2000	2011	Not ready yet[5]
10	Moraikobai	Pump		1272	2004	[1]
10	Muritaro	School	UAEP	250	2008	[1]
10	Rockstone	School	UAEP	260	2008	[1]

Biofuels

Oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis)

Guyana has excellent potential for biofuels utilization. The GuySuCo Sugar factory in Skeldon has been modernized and a biocombustion plant has been built for producing electricity from bagasse. In recent years the Institute of Applied Science and Technology has been investigating rice husk for combustion, and vegetable oils (palm, coconut, jathropa, wastes) for biodiesel production,^[11] with large scale palm oil based production facilities in Wauna, Region 1. Furthermore, the development of a national Agro-Energy Policy has been reported,^[12] but information has not been updated since 2008.

Biogas

The GEA reports small scale biogas production at 5 sites^[1] in Georgetown, Linden and Berbice, using mostly low-cost polyethylene-film tube digesters of plug-flow digesters. Many have been supported by IDB and the Institute of Private Enterprise Development. Pay-back periods of 3–7 months have been reported. A similar digester has been built in Bina Hill, but this digester is currently not operational.

Suppliers

Renewable energy equipment is available from several suppliers in Georgetown, some of which are listed below in alphabetical order:

Company	Products/Services
Eagle Resources Ltd	PV, Solar Water Heating, Wind and Micro-hydro power
Farfan & Mendes	PV, Solar Water Heating
Gafoors	PV, Solar Water Heating
Jerome Defreitas & Sons	PV
National Hardware	PV
Starr Computers	PV, Wind

References

1. Energy Development in Guyana. GEA. 2010.
2. Office of President web page. "Solar panel project moving ahead". Hinterland Electrification Programme. Retrieved 19 July 2011.
3. Guyana Chronicle. 4.7.2011 http://guyanachronicleonline.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=30101%3Acabinet-approves-procurement-of-solar-home-systems-for-hinterland-electrification-programme&Itemid=12. Check date values in: |date= (help); Missing or empty |title= (help)
4. Mr. Duch PCRV Solar Technician and Trainer(11-12)
5. Sinclair, Digicel 07/2011
6. Eerepami webpage 07/2011
7. UNDP, Project Document, Capacity building and demonstration projects for electrification of hinterland unserved areas, utilising renewable energy, 2003
8. J.Defreitas 07/2011
9. Field visit H.Horn 05/2011
10. R.Anliker 07/2011
11. Narine, Suresh. "Agro-Energy Presentation" (PDF). Biofuels in Guyana. IAST. Retrieved 20 July 2011.
12. "IAST Biofuels". IAST. Retrieved 20 July 2011.

External links

• Low Carbon Development Strategy, Guyana
• Office of Prime Minister, Electricity Sector
• Guyana Energy Agency
• Caribbean Information Platform on Renewable Energy
• Energypedia
• Global Alliance on Clean Cookstoves