Guyana signs US$27.3M deal with PowerChina for major battery energy storage project 

The Government of Guyana, through Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), has signed a landmark US$27.3 million contract with PowerChina International Group Limited for the construction of a major Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) aimed at improving the stability and reliability of the country’s electricity network.

The agreement covers the engineering, procurement and construction of a 60 MWh / 30 MW Battery Energy Storage System, along with associated substation expansions and systems integration, at a contract sum of US$27,366,171.06.

The contract signing was led by Head of GPL’s Executive Management Committee, Kesh Nandlall, alongside Divisional Director Ryan Ross and representatives from both GPL and PowerChina International Group Limited.

Under the project, two 30 MWh / 15 MW lithium-ion battery systems will be installed at the New Sophia and Goedverwagting substations in Region Four.

The systems are expected to add 30 MW of power to GPL’s grid while significantly strengthening the stability of the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS), which serves the country’s most populated regions.

According to GPL, the battery systems will play a critical role in reducing fluctuations and improving overall grid performance as electricity demand continues to rise across Guyana.

The project will also see the new battery infrastructure integrated with the Guyana National Control Centre (GNCC) using modern Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Energy Management and Automatic Generation Control systems.

GPL said the contract additionally includes spare parts, maintenance services and technical training for GPL engineers to support long-term operations and sustainability.

The project is expected to be completed within eight months.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Nandlall described the initiative as a major milestone in modernizing Guyana’s electricity infrastructure.

He explained that the Battery Energy Storage System will help reduce the frequency and duration of power outages while improving restoration times through its “black start” capability — the ability to restart sections of the power grid independently following a major shutdown.

The project is also expected to support the integration of renewable energy sources into Guyana’s electricity system as the country advances its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 goals.

The signing comes amid continued government efforts to expand and modernize Guyana’s power generation and transmission infrastructure as rapid economic growth drives increased electricity demand.

GPL said it remains committed to investing in modern infrastructure to improve the reliability, efficiency and sustainability of electricity supply across the country.