By Delicia Janneire
February 18, 2025
The Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) and the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), have launched a Just Energy Transition Seed Funding initiative valued at US$250,000.
The program, introduced at the UN House in Georgetown, aims to expand the country’s electric transportation sector by improving infrastructure and training.
As part of the initiative, three new grid-connected solar charging stations will be installed in Georgetown to support the increasing number of electric vehicles (EVs).
These stations will also contribute excess energy to the national grid through the Guyana Power and Light’s (GPL) net billing system.
This system will allow energy generated but not used by the charging stations to be supplied to GPL, which will then deduct the amount from the station’s energy consumption costs.
The initiative also includes a training component to equip local technicians with the necessary skills for EV maintenance and charging station operations.
The Board of Industrial Training will oversee this aspect, ensuring an increased technical workforce for the growing sector.
Each charging station will feature a 15-kilowatt solar PV module, connected to a charger capable of charging two EVs at the same time.
These 50 kW chargers will reduce charging time, allowing vehicles to reach 90% battery capacity in approximately 45 minutes.
Over the past five years, more than 220 electric vehicles have been imported into Guyana, with 44 arriving in 2024 alone.
The launch event concluded with the UN showcasing its first electric vehicle in Guyana, an MG ZS EV, which will be used for demonstration purposes.
