Guyana targets 600 MW power expansion via natural gas

Guyana is expanding its energy infrastructure as oil production approaches one million barrels per day. Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat announced plans to monetize the nation's natural gas resources to drive industrial growth and lower energy costs.

At the Wales site, an existing 12-inch gas pipeline is intended to support two power plants with a combined capacity of 600 megawatts. This development is expected to provide gas for data centers, fertilizer plants, and a proposed gas bottling plant to provide cheaper propane for households. A second, larger pipeline is also planned for the Berbice development area to support petrochemicals and other industrial facilities.

While the long-term ambition targets 600 megawatts, earlier government releases outlined a phased approach for the initial Wales development. This includes achieving turbine power by the end of 2026, commissioning all gas turbines in the first quarter of 2027, and reaching full combined-cycle operation by June 2027.