Prime Minister Mark Phillips announced that Guyana is in the process of developing a Gas-to-Energy emergency response contingency plan. This announcement was made during the launch of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA)’s 14th Caribbean Conference on Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM 14), which is scheduled to take place in Guyana from December 7 to 12, 2026.
The planned 300 megawatt natural gas-fired electricity generation plant is expected to begin delivering electricity later this year. Additionally, the government has plans to construct a second power plant at Wales and another in Berbice.
Colonel (Ret’d) Nazrul Hussain, Director-General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), stated that ExxonMobil has already developed its emergency plan for the US$1 billion pipeline. The CDC plans to finalize its contingency plan once the power generation and natural gas liquids plants are completed. He emphasized the importance of conducting a risk assessment after the entire system is in place to adequately address potential damages.
Mr. Hussain also mentioned that Phoenix Park Gas Processors Limited (PPGPL), a Trinidad and Tobago-owned company selected for the operation and maintenance of the NGL facility at Wales, will be involved in creating the emergency response contingency plan.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Phillips indicated that the CDC will establish emergency supplies depots in Mahdia, Region 8 (Potaro-Siparuni), and Lethem, Region 9 (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo) this year. New emergency response facilities in Lethem and Mahdia, along with multi-purpose bonds in Georgetown, will also be operational.
The Prime Minister noted that the CDC will implement the Oil Pollution Act and advance new disaster risk management legislation this year. Efforts are underway to update the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan and enhance Guyana’s multi-hazard early warning systems using geographic information systems, satellite data, and information and communications technology.
These initiatives aim to provide Guyana with a comprehensive legal and operational framework to manage the risks associated with an expanding economy, preparing the country for its responsibilities as a host in December 2026.
Elizabeth Riley, Executive Director of CDEMA, highlighted that CDM 14 will address the Caribbean’s evolving risk landscape, which includes various hazards such as seismic, volcanic, geological, and biological threats, as well as increasing climate-related hazards. She pointed out the significant costs associated with climate impacts, citing Hurricane Melissa’s US$12.2 billion in damages in Jamaica as a recent example of the challenges Caribbean states face.
Riley emphasized that discussions at CDM 14 will focus on strengthening partnerships, enhancing cross-sectoral collaboration, generating innovative ideas, and advancing practical solutions that provide tangible benefits for the Caribbean population.
Source: demerarawaves.com
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