Dr. Ashni Singh hails EXIM Deal of the Year Award as a milestone in US-Guyana relations and development

The flourishing relationship between the United States and Guyana was placed firmly in the spotlight this week as the Guyana Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project was named Deal of the Year by the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) at its 2025 Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.

The recognition not only marks a pivotal moment for Guyana’s energy future but also underscores the deepening strategic and economic ties between the two nations.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh hailed the accolade as a symbol of both partnership and progress.

Representing President Dr. Irfaan Ali, Dr. Singh stated, “As the first project Guyana is doing with US EXIM, the project stands as a fitting testimony to the enduring and indeed the growing strength of the relationship between the United States of America and Guyana.”

The Gas-to-Energy Project, a US$527 million initiative, will more than double Guyana’s electricity generation capacity and cut tariffs for all consumers by 50 percent, delivering significant benefits to households and to the energy-intensive productive sector. “President Irfaan Ali’s government and the people of Guyana value and cherish this [Deal of the Year Award] for multiple reasons. The project is truly a transformative one,” Dr. Singh said.

Constructed near Georgetown, the project includes a natural gas separation plant and a 300 MW combined gas turbine power plant. It leverages the capabilities of several U.S. companies including Lindsayca, CH4 Systems, Enerflex Energy Systems, and ExxonMobil Guyana, which also built the 130-mile gas pipeline that will fuel the system. These firms, based in Texas and Puerto Rico, were recognised alongside Guyana for their contributions.

EXIM Acting President and Chairman Jim Cruse described the project as “strategically important”, stating it upholds EXIM’s mandates while supporting over 1,000 jobs across the United States. “This project upholds Bank priorities and charter mandates while supporting more than one thousand jobs across the country,” Cruse said.

Corporate partners echoed the sentiment. Juan Bellosta, CEO of CH4 Systems, praised EXIM’s role in making the project viable: “Their support enabled us to confidently pursue the Gas-to-Energy project, mitigate financial risks, and offer competitive terms to the government of Guyana.” ExxonMobil Guyana Vice President John Colling added that the investment would deliver “cleaner, more affordable, and more reliable energy to Guyanese families and businesses.”

Crucially, the project also aligns with U.S. geo-economic and political objectives in the Western Hemisphere and is part of EXIM’s China and Transformational Exports Program, highlighting the competitive global landscape in which it was awarded.

Looking ahead, Dr. Singh signalled that this inaugural partnership would not be the last. He noted Guyana’s intention to advance discussions with EXIM on additional strategic projects, including in port security, trade facilitation, and food security—sectors of growing importance across the Caribbean and wider hemisphere.

As the Gas-to-Energy project moves from award to implementation, it stands as more than just a power solution. It is a beacon of the growing trust, cooperation, and mutual ambition shared by Guyana and the United States—an alliance being steadily built on energy, opportunity, and shared progress.