Empowering Communities: China's SUMEC Builds Solar in Guyana

• SUMEC Co Ltd partners with Guyana to bring solar power to vulnerable communities, empowering women and youth through apprenticeship programs.

Chinese state-owned conglomerate SUMEC Co Ltd has signed a USD-38-million contract in Guyana to build 18 MW of solar farms in vulnerable communities, as part of the Guyana Utility Scale Solar Photovoltaic Program (GUYSOL) funded through the Guyana-Norway partnership. The project aims to diversify the country's energy mix and is managed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) under Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL).

The contract will support the installation of 18 MW of solar power systems in various villages across Guyana, with a focus on areas in need of energy. Guyana's Prime Minister Mark Phillips highlighted the importance of training youths and women in the maintenance of the solar systems, with 50 women and 20 individuals living with disabilities expected to benefit from apprenticeship programs created through the initiative.

How will the GUYSOL program benefit vulnerable communities in Guyana?

• The GUYSOL program will provide reliable and sustainable energy access to vulnerable communities in Guyana, reducing their dependence on traditional fossil fuels.
• By installing solar power systems in these areas, the program will help improve energy security and resilience, especially in remote villages that may not have access to reliable electricity grids.
• The initiative will create job opportunities for local residents, with a focus on training youths and women in the maintenance of the solar systems. This will not only empower these individuals but also contribute to the economic development of the communities.
• The apprenticeship programs created through the GUYSOL program will benefit 50 women and 20 individuals living with disabilities, providing them with valuable skills and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
• By diversifying the country's energy mix, the program will contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change, ultimately benefiting vulnerable communities in Guyana and beyond.