Two solar farms being constructed on the Essequibo Coast will see a drop in electricity rates and more power than the region demands, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips said on Saturday as he addressed the incumbent PPP’s re-election rally.In the Pomeroon-Supenaam Region (Region 2) specifically, which covers the Essequibo Coast and Pomeroon River communities, eight megawatts of solar energy will be delivered to the roughly 50,000 residents to meet their present and future demand, the Prime Minister said.“That is far more power than you will need on any given day. You will have far more power, which will ensure we support your development trajectory,” he said at the Anna Regina rally.The eight megawatt-peak solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are being set up to supply Onderneeming and Charity on the Essequibo Coast.Region two, which relies heavily on agriculture, is poised for transformation of its economy through increased agro-processing and small-scale manufacturing – both of which will significantly increase energy demand even as it diversifies the regional economy.Earlier this year, President Irfaan Ali announced that approximately 20,000 acres of new farmland on the Essequibo coast will become available for small-scale farmers.The President had previously announced that Region two would be declared a special development zone, and that specific legislation would be tabled in Parliament to recognise the zone with incentives that are aimed at attracting more investors to the Region and, by extension, the country.Onderneeming will receive five MWp of solar energy backed by 7.5MWp of battery storage, and Charity will benefit from three MWp of solar energy supported by 4.5MWp of battery storage.The project marks a significant step towards Guyana’s commitment to clean energy in keeping with the country’s landmark Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 – the country’s blueprint to economic development in a non-polluting way.The initiative is part of GUYSOL, a program funded through Guyana’s earnings from forest services under the Guyana-Norway Agreement.The post With solar farms, Essequibians will get cheaper electricity and more power than they need appeared first on News Room Guyana.