In the past four years, developments in the oil industry have driven transformational change in Region Three, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, Guyana. Oil-related projects have led to numerous infrastructural and developmental initiatives, significantly improving socioeconomic conditions in the area. These initiatives include:
Gas-to-Energy
The Gas-to-Energy project, one of the most ambitious initiatives in Guyana’s history, will transport offshore natural gas to an onshore processing plant in Wales in Region Three. Electricity generated by this integrated facility will reduce Guyana’s reliance on heavy fuels for power generation and cut energy bills. Head of Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc.), Halim Khan said the project will “reduce electricity costs across Guyana, enabling industrial growth and household savings.”
Region Three Chairman Ishan Ayube said the Region is also looking forward to a reduction in the price of cooking gas, as he is reliably informed that this will be one of the project’s positive impacts. The Gas-to-Energy project is already generating much-needed jobs for Guyanese, and its operational phase promises sustained employment for even more locals. A 2021 project summary projected that it would employ at least 700 people during construction and add scores of new jobs in the operations and decommissioning phases.
Access to affordable, stable energy and natural gas liquids (NGL) will propel agro-industrial development and expand the agriculture sector, a significant contributor to the regional economy.
The Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base
The Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base, constructed on reclaimed land in the Demerara River and connected to Region Three, is another vital oil and gas infrastructure project. This facility will support ExxonMobil Guyana’s Yellowtail project, which is set to start production in 2025. It assists local content initiatives by employing locals and procuring Guyanese goods and services. Khan noted that this benefit “positions Region Three as a gateway for industrial expansion.”
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