[www.inewsguyana.com] – Guyana joins with CARICOM member states to commemorate the 4th CARICOM energy week, which commences today, Sunday, November 16.
Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds in the capacity of Minister of Energy and Electricity during his Energy Week 2014 Message noted that the country will join the states on increasing awareness among its population as it relates to energy and energy related issues.
This year’s celebrations are being held under the theme “Achieving Climate, Environmental and Economic resilience through sustainable energy.”
The Prime Minister noted that energy is vital to any country’s economic growth and development. He added, “It is diverse for economic activities such as transportation, agriculture, fishing, mining and manufacturing all of which undoubtedly are key sectors for our economy.”
In addition, the PM pointed out that energy also contributes to the health and wellbeing of the population in terms of providing services such as lighting, cooling, entertaining and much more.
However, carbon based energy sources can also have a negative impact on the environment. The United Nations Sustainable Energy For all Initiative encourages countries to adopt more energy efficient technologies and fostering lifestyle changes to use increasing amounts of renewable energy resources.
The CARICOM energy policy also provides a framework for member states to collectively contribute and benefit from development in this area.
He also pointed out that the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) which was pioneered by Former President Bharrat Jagdeo and unveiled in 2010, outlines Guyana’s approach to promoting economic development by protecting the country’s tropical forest to aid in addressing global climate change.
He noted that recent disruptions in the market have highlighted the need for storage capacity and reserves in this regard, however this can be quite costly and requires a lot of investment.
He said that in the electricity sector, there have been steady investments in the generation capacity of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL). Also significant investments were made in upgrading the transmission network.
Emphasis will further be placed on the distribution networks and strengthening human resources capacity at the company and reducing technical and commercial losses.
The PM added that Guyana’s hydropower potential is estimated to be over 7000 megawatts, and in addition to the Amaila Falls hydropower project, development of other hydro power sites is being pursued.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Guyana and Brazil will see the exploration of new low impact options for the development of the Mazuruni River and the export of energy to that neighbouring country, to create a new source of foreign exchange.
He encouraged citizens to adopt smart steps such as plugging out electrical appliances after usage and using energy efficient lighting which will also reduce electricity cost in the household. [Extracted and modified from GINA]
