In Region 9 (Upper Takutu–Upper Essequibo), the transition to renewable energy is making a profound difference in everyday life. Since 2020, the installation of solar-powered systems at three clinics and community centers has significantly improved the reliability of critical services in remote areas. These facilities now operate with consistent, sustainable electricity—enhancing healthcare, education, and community resilience.

The move toward solar power reflects a broader effort to reduce the region’s dependence on costly and unreliable diesel-generated electricity. For hinterland communities where grid access remains limited, solar installations have created new possibilities. Medical centers, in particular, now benefit from uninterrupted power supply, allowing refrigeration of vaccines, nighttime care, and the operation of essential diagnostic equipment (Ministry of Health).

This reliable energy access translates directly into better outcomes for residents. Pregnant women can now deliver safely at night, medical emergencies can be addressed without delay, and children attending community centers benefit from well-lit spaces and functioning learning tools. These are not just upgrades—they are life-changing improvements that bring dignity and opportunity to underserved communities (Ministry of Amerindian Affairs).

Beyond health and education, the solar-powered centers also serve as safe community hubs during emergencies or natural disasters. Equipped with lighting and communications capabilities, they provide stability and coordination points for disaster response efforts. In regions where travel is difficult and infrastructure sparse, these multi-purpose facilities become lifelines in more ways than one (Department of Public Information).

Crucially, these installations are part of a growing national strategy to build climate-resilient, low-carbon systems that serve rural communities equitably. Region 9’s solar initiatives support Guyana’s wider energy transformation goals—using clean energy not just to reduce emissions, but also to promote human development and environmental stewardship in vulnerable areas (Office of the Prime Minister – Energy Sector).

As solar systems require minimal maintenance and generate long-term cost savings, they are also financially sustainable. Local capacity-building ensures that residents are trained to maintain and monitor the equipment, fostering community ownership and technical empowerment.

In Region 9, energy is no longer a barrier. It’s a bridge—to healthier lives, better learning environments, and stronger, more connected communities. This is what real progress looks like (Ministry of Health, Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Department of Public Information).