More charging stations for electric vehicles as UN launches ‘JET’ initiative in Guyana

The United Nations in Guyana, supported by the Joint Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Fund, launched the Just Energy Transition (JET) Seed Funding Initiative on Monday last at the UN House in Georgetown.

The initiative marks a pivotal step in Guyana’s transition towards clean energy, aligning with the nation’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030.

The JET initiative will contribute significantly to the expansion of Guyana’s renewable energy capacity and the promotion of sustainable mobility. It will provide both technical and policy support through a collaboration between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), and the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).

As part of the initiative, three solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging stations will be installed at key locations across regions 5, 6, and 10. Additionally, a technical training programme will be introduced to develop the local workforce, equipping professionals with the skills necessary to maintain and expand Guyana’s renewable energy infrastructure.

In a bid to ensure equitable access to the opportunities presented by the energy transition, the programme will focus on empowering youth, women, and marginalised groups.

Nadira Balram, UNDP’s Officer-in-Charge, highlighted the long-term benefits of the initiative, saying: “The anticipated impact of this initiative is far-reaching. This initiative will create jobs and new economic opportunities. By equipping a new generation of technicians with specialised skills, we are fostering a workforce that is prepared for the transition to a green economy.”

Eraina Yaw, Head of IOM Guyana, emphasised the initiative’s broader impact on capacity-building, stating: “Our work on Migration, Environment and Climate Change (or Climate Action), both globally and in the Caribbean, supports human capacity/resource building for the energy transition. Some of those trained will be equipped to earn a living by training others on these subjects, in a climate where the need for this type of training is increasing.”

Jean Kamau, UN Resident Coordinator, underlined the initiative’s alignment with Guyana’s climate goals: “By strengthening institutions, fostering innovation, and integrating sustainability in regulations, this programme directly supports Guyana’s Nationally Determined Contributions under the UN Climate Promise. We are accelerating progress on SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).”

The JET initiative is designed to help integrate clean energy solutions into Guyana’s national economy, contributing to the country’s goal of achieving 80% renewable energy in its electricity grid by 2040. As Guyana continues to experience rapid economic growth, the JET Seed Funding Programme will play a vital role in ensuring that this development is sustainable, inclusive, and resilient to climate change.