Background

Broad estimates indicate that there are about 200 hinterland communities spread across the ten administrative regions of Guyana in remote and isolated areas. The sizes of the villages differ greatly from 100 to 10,000 persons and they are usually spread over considerable areas. Physical infrastructure, such as roads, water and energy supply, is underdeveloped and most hinterland inhabitants are without electricity. The 1999 IDB study, concerning new and renewable energy in Guyana, highlighted that Guyana has the potential for off-grid electricity generation utilising renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic, micro/mini-hydropower, biomass and wind.
With the supply of electricity low in the hinterland areas little is known about the volumes required, cost of supplies and the most suitable energy sources. Pilot renewable energy projects in these areas would provide a good foundation to determine issues and impacts energy development might have on hinterland communities. They would increase the knowledge base and develop skills of the national institutions for policy making and planning renewable energy alternatives for remote communities.

Objectives

This project is aimed at reducing poverty by developing renewable energy alternatives in hinterland locations. The project has three main objectives:

Achievements and expected results

Policy making and planning for renewable energy alternatives

Support was provided through the project for the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) to compile and catalogue existing data and information to enhance the planning and policy development of renewable energy alternatives. Subsequently, the Government received funds from other sources. As a result, the main focus of this project has been to provide technical assistance and build institutional capacities to enable The Guyana Energy Agency, the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) and the Office of the Prime Minister to implement renewable energy pilot projects in hinterland communities
These pilot projects involve designing and testing renewable energy sources. As a result valuable experiences, insight and information are being gained which will contribute to better policy development and planning of renewable energy alternatives.

Alternative funding mechanisms and opportunities for clean energy development

A workshop was held in 2003 to share practices related to innovative/alternative financing for sustainable development. Selected partners from government, civil society and the private sector were provided with updated information, examples and opportunities to further this objective. Discussions were held on the Global Environment Facility (GEF), Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), Payment for Environmental Services and Debt Swaps. Case studies were presented and there were in-depth discussions on the challenges, opportunities and lessons learnt.
A follow-up mission came to Guyana later in the year. The main objective of the mission was to discuss workshop outcomes with the various stakeholders towards defining future courses of action, particularly exploring the possibility of CDM interventions.  A significant recommendation from this mission was that rather than focusing mainly on the CDM process, the emphasis should be on creating an enabling environment for attracting private sector investment in the country.  The CDM could then be incorporated at the broad macro-economic level.

Technical Assistance and Institutional Capacity Building for poverty reduction in the hinterland communities

Although there has been some improvement in the quality of life in the hinterland communities over the years, many households still lack modern amenities. One of the main challenges for the Government of Guyana is to increase access to electricity and efficient energy sources in order to improve quality of life, create economic growth potential and combat poverty.
Over 70% of hinterland communities use firewood as the main cooking fuel. In collaboration with the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) more energy efficient stoves were introduced to several hinterland communities. Throughout the implementation/demonstration process, recommendations were received from involved community members, many of whom were women. As a result, the design of the stove has been modified accordingly. In general, the stoves used 50% less fuel wood than the traditional local firesides.
All communities have expressed interest in fabricating replica stoves within the villages. Indigenous materials are used as much as possible, however the fire chamber of the stove poses a difficult challenge. Several fire chambers will therefore be given to each village. In addition technical assistance will be provided to the villages where necessary.
Photovoltaic systems have been installed in two communities, Paruima and Wauna, to enhance economic activities and the development of these communities. In Paruima the system is powering a mill for value added agricultural produce and providing energy for the lights and power outlets of the community centre. It is anticipated that the installation of the photovoltaic system generates economic benefits by providing longer and more flexible working hours. For example, a sewing group in the community specialising in school uniforms had previously restricted working hours due to the lack of lighting. Other productive and social activities also benefit including craft making classes and educational activities.
In Wauna, a photovoltaic powered peanut roasting facility has been designed and is being installed in 2007. As part of the project, farmers have received training to improve the production of peanuts and thereby ensure a better quality peanut is supplied to the processing facility. By roasting the peanuts in Wauna a value-added product is created within the community.
In a third community, Kato, a photovoltaic system was also installed to enhance the well-being of the community. The system was set up in the health post to facilitate treatment of medical emergencies, particularly the delivery of babies at night, the refrigeration of vaccines and to show health and other educational videos in the waiting area. 
Impact assessments of the photovoltaic systems in Paruima and Kato have already been carried out. The system set up in the health centre in Kato has proved successful and 100% passes at the Secondary School Entrance Examinations have been attributed to the lights provided in Paruima. However, there has been limited use of the mill in Paruima attributed to unfavourable weather for the drying of farm produce and uncertain market. Nonetheless, the users expressed satisfaction with the ground end product.
The possibility of using other sources of renewable energy available in or close to hinterland communities is currently being explored. Assessments are underway to look at the feasibility of a mini hydro power in the Chuing River in Region 8 and a Wind generating system in Paramakatoi. A feasibility study for the mini hydro power facility will be undertaken in 2007 in partnership with GTZ. The study will also look at whether the proposed system could be used to power pumps for the irrigation of neighbouring agricultural lands and to determine possible alternative uses for the hydroelectric resources.
An anemometer has been installed in Paramakatoi to measure wind speed and thereby determine the feasibility of installing a windmill in that community. Data collection will continue until the end of 2007. It has been suggested that the energy generated by the windmill be used to provide electricity for the medical centre and to the guesthouse. The topography of this area also offers potential for eco-tourism.
Overall, greater institutional knowledge has been gained from the pilot site demonstrations. Information has been gained primarily through the technical, economic and other assessments conducted to determine what type of renewable energy would be feasible at the various locations. Additionally, a better appreciation and understanding of the potential benefits (economic and well-being related) of renewable energy in these communities has been gained. All of the assessments, designs of renewable energy systems and installation were carried out by national technical staff as well as use of local expertise.
Implementation of photovoltaic systems in hinterland regions and the active participation of the communities themselves have contributed substantially to capacity building, knowledge sharing and partnerships among the involved agencies.

Last Revised:  February 2008