Solar-Powered Water Treatment Plant Commissioned at Port Mourant, Guyana

Photo courtesy of Caricom 

The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), the Government of Guyana, and Guyana Water Incorporated in partnership with the European Union (EU) last week officially commissioned a solar-powered water treatment plant in Port Mourant, Berbice.  This landmark project signifies a significant step towards climate resilience in the region by integrating renewable energy into critical water infrastructure. 

Speaking at the ceremony, on Wednesday, 15 January 2025, were Guyana’s Prime Minister, Hon. Mark Phillips, Brigadier (Retired), Guyana’s Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal, EU representative to Guyana, Mr. Daniele De Bernardi, Executive Director of the CCCCC, Colin Young Ph.D., and CEO of Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Mr. Shaik Baksh. 

In his remarks, Dr. Young emphasised the historic and transformative nature of the project for both the government and the people of Guyana. He pointed out that this project exemplifies the CCCCC’s approach to water security in the Caribbean and added that it provides benefits that extend well beyond merely offsetting greenhouse gas emissions.

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“The more important and tangible benefits of the project is its contribution to building climate resilience and enhancing the water security for 16,000 people in 4500 households across 18 communities.  For these communities, this investment looms large and will make a significant, lasting, and positive impact on their lives; the investment also provides GWI with redundancy to ensure water reliability and availability in the event of climatic shocks to the grid,” Dr. Young said.

The project, funded by the EU under the Intra-ACP Global Climate Change Alliance Plus (GCCA+) Regional Programme, came at a value of €654,000. Speaking on behalf of the EU, Mr. De Bernardi noted that collaborating with agencies and organisations to tackle common challenges, such as climate change, is a central mission of the European Union.

“The EU has a longstanding tradition of supporting sustainable development and environmental protection around the world. Climate change knows no borders, and its impacts are felt across nations. This is why climate global cooperation is crucial,” he reiterated, adding that  “as part of its commitments to address global climate challenges, the European Union is proud to stand with the Guyanese Government in its efforts to tackle climate change,” Bernardi shared.  

This is the first renewable energy project of its kind for the GWI, a 300-kilowatt photovoltaic system at its Water Treatment Plant in Berbice. This landmark initiative according to Prime Minister Phillips aligns with Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which the government has expanded to include broader environmental services, integrated water resources management, and climate resilience, reflecting a vision that balances economic growth and environmental responsibility.

“As Guyana steadily continues along its path toward energy security, sustainability, and climate resilience, the completion of this photovoltaic system is a defining moment that reflects the synergy between ambition and action. It also demonstrates what can be accomplished through collaborative efforts that prioritise the well-being of people and the planet,” the Prime Minister emphasised. 

The GCCA+ Programme, valued at €12 Million, supported climate-compatible development across 16 CARIFORUM countries through various initiatives, including: 

• Strengthening climate observation and monitoring networks. 
• Developing climate-resilient water infrastructure. 
• Enhancing public education and awareness on climate change. 
• Building regional technical capacity on climate risk management. 

This project serves as a model for other Caribbean nations pursuing climate-resilient development. The CCCCC remains committed to supporting all CARICOM Member States in their efforts to address the challenges of climate change through sustainable and innovative solutions. (Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre Press Release)

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