Efforts are in full swing to connect the second power ship, docked at the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) terminal at Ruimveldt, Georgetown, to the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS).

This power ship will add a crucial 60 MW of power to the national grid. Currently, a 3.9 km double-circuit 69 kV transmission line is being constructed from Ruimveldt to the New Georgetown Substation to facilitate the transfer of power from the ship.

On Wednesday, Kesh Nandlall, Head of the Executive Management Committee at Guyana Power and Light (GPL), provided an update on the project’s progress.

“We have already constructed most of the lines and foundations. We are putting up most of the structures, and we are making preparations to string the conductors,” Nandlall explained.

The installation process includes modern steel structures and a new substation in South Ruimveldt Gardens, ensuring that the infrastructure can handle the additional power load.

“Our target is to interconnect the power ship to the grid before Christmas,” Nandlall assured.

Kalpataru Projects International, one of India’s largest engineering and construction companies, has been contracted to manage the power ship. Project Manager Gaurav stated that the team is working tirelessly to ensure the connection is completed on schedule.

“We are around 70 per cent through with the line connection, and we are working day and night to get it done. We will deliver power from the power ship to the substation before Christmas,” Gaurav confirmed. He also mentioned that their team would train GPL engineers to operate the power ship once it’s integrated into the grid.

Meanwhile, Nandlall highlighted that construction is ongoing at several sites, including the installation of a conducting structure at the GuySuCo terminal and the utilisation of Banks DIH reserve land. A new wharf at the sugar terminal is also under construction and is expected to be completed within a few days.

Once all construction is finished, thorough testing will be conducted to ensure seamless integration into the national grid.

Initially, the power ship will contribute 60 megawatts of generating capacity to the grid. In its second phase, an additional 15 megawatts will be added, bringing the total to 75 megawatts.

“It is expected to provide more than sufficient reserve capacity into the DBIS, enhancing our generating capacity,” Nandlall added.