In a significant move towards sustainable transportation, the Government of Guyana has secured US$250,000 in funding from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to construct three solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Georgetown. This initiative marks a crucial step in Guyana’s transition to cleaner energy and supports the country’s growing electric vehicle market.

Project Details

The funding, provided under the Just Energy Transition Seed Funding Initiative, will facilitate the construction of state-of-the-art charging infrastructure:

• Three solar-powered charging stations to be built in Georgetown
• Each station equipped with a 15-kilowatt solar PV pile module installation
• Chargers capable of simultaneously charging two electric vehicles
• 50-kilowatt power output, allowing vehicles to reach 90% battery capacity in about 45 minutes
• Excess power to be redirected into the national grid when stations are not in use

Growing EV Market in Guyana

The investment comes at a critical time for Guyana’s emerging EV sector:

• Over 220 electric vehicles imported in the last five years
• 44 EVs imported in 2024 alone
• Government incentives, including tax exemptions, driving EV adoption
• 50% write-down allowance for businesses investing in electric vehicles

Existing Infrastructure

Currently, Guyana has six publicly accessible EV charging stations:

1. Amazonia Mall, Providence
2. Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri
3. Giftland Mall, East Coast Demerara
4. Little Rock Suites, New Amsterdam
5. S&R Parking Lot, Parika
6. GEA Office, Quamina Street, Georgetown

Capacity Building and Training

The project goes beyond infrastructure development:

• Technical and vocational training for approximately 20 individuals
• Training provided by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT)
• Focus on maintenance and repair of electric vehicles and charging station components

Government Initiatives

The Guyanese government has implemented several measures to promote EV adoption:

• Removal of 14% value-added tax on imported new electric vehicles
• Facilitation of training for auto-technicians in EV maintenance and repair
• Exploration of EV procurement for government agencies

Future Outlook

Dr. Mahender Sharma, CEO of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), anticipates a significant increase in EV imports due to:

• Reduced costs of electric vehicles
• Strategic government initiatives
• Increased awareness and infrastructure development

This funding represents a pivotal moment in Guyana’s journey towards sustainable transportation. By investing in solar-powered charging infrastructure and human capacity development, the country is laying the groundwork for a robust electric vehicle ecosystem. As Guyana continues to balance its emerging oil industry with its commitment to low-carbon development, initiatives like this demonstrate the nation’s dedication to a greener, more sustainable future.