Latest News

Guyana's gas-to energy project receives initial approval from the US ExIm Bank for a loan guarantee

A government official announced on Thursday that Guyana had received preliminary approval by the U.S. Export-Import Bank to receive a loan guarantee of more than $500,000,000 for a gas-fired power project and a gas processing facility.

The construction of the gas-to energy project, estimated at $2 billion, is already underway. The gas pipeline has been installed but the construction of the 300 megawatt (MW), first phase power plant is being delayed due to late equipment deliveries and contract disputes. Officials have stated that startup may not happen before the fourth quarter 2025.

Bharrat Jagdeo, Guyana's vice president, said that the ExIm Bank would guarantee loans for equipment purchased from U.S. suppliers to be used in onshore facilities.

He said that the guarantee will be subject to a 30-day notice process in front of the U.S. Congress and then final approval by ExIm. The project has so far been funded by Guyana Treasury.

Jagdeo stated that if the loan was made available it would cover the financing the government of Guyana has had to make since the project began.

Gas-to-energy includes a natural-gas pipeline built by a consortium led by Exxon Mobil, which is responsible for the oil production in the country. It also includes a gas-processing facility and a 300-megawatt power plant that burns natural gas. Officials have stated that the project will reduce electricity costs by half when fully operational.

According to the bid published by the Prime Minister's office, the second phase would include more power generation, and assist in developing other industries. This includes a proposed fertilizer factory.

The date of the startup has not yet been determined. Government and the power plant builder have entered into contract arbitration to determine cost and deadline. The original completion date for the plant was this year.

(source: Reuters)