UN Launches Just Energy Transition Initiative to Boost Guyana’s Low-Carbon Development
The United Nations in Guyana has taken a significant step towards advancing the country’s low-carbon development goals with the launch of the Just Energy Transition (JET) Seed Funding Initiative. This program, unveiled on February 17, 2025, at the UN House in Georgetown, marks a crucial milestone in Guyana’s journey towards sustainable energy and aligns with the nation’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030.
Funded by the Joint Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Fund, the JET initiative aims to expand Guyana’s renewable energy capacity and promote sustainable mobility. The program brings together key stakeholders, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), and the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).
Expanding Green Infrastructure
A cornerstone of the initiative is the installation of three solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across regions 5, 6, and 10. This development comes at a crucial time, as Guyana has seen a significant increase in electric vehicle adoption, with over 220 EVs currently on the roads.
Each charging station will be equipped with a 15-kilowatt solar PV pile module installation, capable of charging two vehicles simultaneously. The chargers will deliver approximately 50 kilowatts of power, allowing for rapid charging that can replenish 90% of a vehicle’s battery in about 45 minutes.
Workforce Development and Inclusivity
The JET initiative goes beyond infrastructure, focusing on developing a skilled local workforce. A technical training program will be introduced to equip professionals with the expertise needed to maintain and expand Guyana’s renewable energy infrastructure.
Nadira Balram, UNDP’s Officer-in-Charge, emphasized the initiative’s long-term impact: “This initiative will create jobs and new economic opportunities. By equipping a new generation of technicians with specialized skills, we are fostering a workforce that is prepared for the transition to a green economy.”
The program places a strong emphasis on inclusivity, aiming to empower youth, women, and marginalized groups, ensuring equitable access to the opportunities presented by the energy transition.
Alignment with National and Global Goals
The JET initiative aligns closely with Guyana’s LCDS 2030, which outlines the country’s vision for sustainable development. It also contributes to the global Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in areas of clean energy, climate action, and economic growth.
UN Resident Coordinator, YeÅŸim Oruç, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: “The UN system is proud of its cooperation and work with the Government and people of Guyana in all dimensions of Guyana’s progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and leaving no one behind.”
Looking Ahead
As Guyana continues to navigate its economic transformation, driven by recent oil discoveries, initiatives like JET demonstrate the country’s commitment to balanced, sustainable development. By investing in renewable energy infrastructure and workforce development, Guyana is positioning itself as a leader in the Caribbean’s transition to a low-carbon future.
The success of this initiative could serve as a model for other developing nations seeking to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship. As the program unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor its impact on Guyana’s energy landscape, job market, and overall progress towards its low-carbon development goals.
