–at UG Turkeyen Campus

-by Jordan Alkins

Guyana’s drive toward renewable energy and sustainable transport has accelerated with the commissioning of the country’s first solar-powered electric vehicle charging station at the University of Guyana’s Turkeyen Campus. 

The facility, a collaboration between the UNDP Guyana and the Guyana Energy Agency under the Just Energy Transition Seed Funding Initiative, is the first of four solar-powered EV charging stations being established across the country.

At the commissioning ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Agency, Dr. Mahender Sharma, said the facility advances the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030.

“This station would be the highest rated. It would be at 60 kilowatts. It would be the most powerful public EV charger that is out there at least at this point in time and that is capable of charging two electric vehicles simultaneously,” he said.
The station is paired with a 15-kilowatt solar system, with surplus energy fed into the national grid.

Dr. Sharma noted the project was supported by a 250,000 US dollar grant from the UNDP, which funded three public charging stations, with a fourth to be installed at the Board of Industrial Training. 

Additionally, 22 master trainers, including nine women have been trained in solar installation, EV charging systems, and maintenance to support the country’s growing electric mobility sector.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Phillips applauded the initiative, noting that the number of electric vehicles in Guyana has soared from under 200 two years ago to nearly 1,100 today. 

“Where is it better to provide the infrastructure? Right here at the University of Guyana campus. The center of learning that we have, where our technicians or future engineers will not only have the theoretical development as it pertains to renewable energy, but they have a living example, a practical example, as to how renewable energy can be used by people every day in getting about their businesses,” he said.

The Prime Minister encouraged the public to take full advantage of the new facility, as the government continues to promote a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for all Guyanese.