Search

Electricity production in Guyana is costly and highly reliant on imported fuel, as there is no commercial production of petroleum in Guyana. However, there is considerable potential for Guyana to increase hydroelectric generation.

Guyana's estimated installed power capacity is 380 MW. Guyana remains almost entirely dependent on its imports of fuel oil for electricity generation: 95% of electricity is generated by diesel and heavy fuel oil, and 5% by co-generation using bagasse. No electricity is currently generated from hydroelectric power. The authorities maintain their commitment to the Amaila Falls Hydro-electric Project (AFHP) and expect financing of the project to be settled in 2015. Efforts are also ongoing to realise the Guyana Wind Farm Project (25 MW) to supply power to the national grid. Guyana does not import or export electricity, although the authorities indicate that discussions are ongoing for the development of a large hydropower project within the Mazaruni region mainly for exporting electricity to Brazil.

(...) With respect to remote hinterland communities where buildings are far apart, the Government started installing photovoltaics solar systems on homes (65 watts) and community buildings (125 watts) in 2009. As at end-December 2014, there were approximately 13,300 of such systems in some 200 communities in the hinterland regions of Guyana. The beneficiaries of the systems (village councils) are responsible for the maintenance of the installations.

(...) The Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), established under the Guyana Energy Agency Act 1997, advises the Office of the Prime Minister on various matters related to energy; this includes the promotion of solar photovoltaic systems.

(...) Licensing requirements for the generation and supply of hydro-electric power are set out in the Hydroelectric Power Act. This Act vests the State with ownership of all water power that can be used to generate electricity. Licences to use water to generate electricity are granted by the President; they may set out the price at which electricity may be sold, subject to review every five years. Licences may be granted for an initial period of up to 50 years, and may be renewed for an additional period of up to 50 years. (...)

Table A2.2 Guyana's preferential trade agreements, April 2015
CARICOM-Dominican Republic (DR)
Provisions concerning goods: Mutual granting of tariff concessions between CARICOM MDCs and the DR. All exports from DR receive immediate duty-free treatment except those subject to phased reductions (see above) and those listed as remaining subject to the MFN rate as listed in the revised Attachment II to the FTA. Attachment II includes certain: (...) solar water heaters.

Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between CARIFORUM and the EU
Other provisions: (...) environment (...)

The Government has demonstrated its determination to pursue its mission, which is firmly grounded in its sustainable development policy, while backing moves by investors who are keen to establish free zones in the national territory in the form of tax and customs related benefits and incentives.

In Haiti's case, a number of measures have been taken to address the issue of poverty, in conformity with the National Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (DSNCRP) for 2008 2010, and especially the Strategic Development Plan for Haiti (PSDH), which was launched after the 2010 earthquake to promote the country's socio economic development. Government actions accordingly revolve around established national priorities such as education, employment, energy and the environment as well as sectoral policies including agriculture, industry, free zones, tourism, housing and habitats.

Haiti's economy has been recovering slowly since the devastating earthquake in January 2010, which hit the country just as its prospects were improving after several years of prudent macroeconomic management. Nevertheless, socio political problems and exposure to natural disasters have contributed to the fact that Haiti remains among the poorest countries in the world. Roughly 55% of the population live below the extreme poverty line of US$1.25/day. It is estimated that 1.9 million of the 2.9 million in the labour force are working in the informal sector.

(...) Haiti remains a fragile state and most Haitians live in a precarious and vulnerable situation. Over the last two decades, economic conditions in the country have deteriorated, mainly as a result of political instability and a succession of particularly devastating natural disasters. (...)