Initial exemption for Guyana gas-to-energy project’s power dispatch component

The power transmission component of Guyana’s gas-to-energy project is exempt from conducting an environmental impact assessment.

The country’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made the determination after concluding that the dispatch infrastructure will “not significantly” impact the environment based on short-term, localized and mitigable risks associated with air quality, noise and vibration.

The EPA also highlights that no process water and/or effluent will be generated and that there will be minimal clearing of natural vegetation as rights of way will not be in any sensitive ecosystem.

The agency said, however, “this decision is in no way an indication that this [transmission] project is approved,” and appeals may be lodged.

Guyana Power & Light previously filed the transmission project summary with the EPA for the work which totals US$160mn and includes transmission lines, substations and upgrades. The summary is available in the Documents box in the top-right corner.

Kalpataru Projects International is the contractor for the infrastructure, which will inject production from the gas-to-energy project’s 300MW power plant, due online in 2025, into the national grid.

In other energy sector developments in Guyana, phase three of the Vreed-en-Hoop Shorebase, which will support upstream operations, among other activities, was completed this month.

The update followed a visit to the 44ha site on the Demerara river by President Irfaan Ali.

And at the Guyana police force’s annual awards ceremony, commissioner Clifton Hicken announced that a special oil and gas unit will be launched in 2025.