Aurora Gold Mine Inc. has formally commissioned Guyana’s largest single solar facility at its remote Region Seven location, marking a significant shift away from diesel dependency for one of the country’s most isolated industrial operations.

What began as a 3-megawatt installation in 2023 has grown into a combined solar capacity of 49.4 megawatts, supported by extensive battery storage, making it the largest non-state-owned photovoltaic system in the country. The system was fully integrated as of March 2026 following a phased build-out that expanded from 3 MW to 15 MW before a final 30 MW Phase II addition brought total capacity to nearly 50 MW.

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who attended the commissioning ceremony on Tuesday, described the project as a landmark investment that transforms energy production in one of Guyana’s most remote industrial settings. He noted the facility is expected to cut approximately 46,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

AGM Inc.’s General Manager said the solar system would reduce diesel consumption by an estimated 18 million litres per year, replacing a costly fuel transport model that had sustained the mine for years. The hybrid system balances solar generation and battery storage in real time to ensure a stable power supply.

Beyond energy, the project created approximately 100 local jobs during construction, with workers gaining experience in renewable energy systems and microgrid management. AGM reported that 90 percent of its workforce is Guyanese, comprising over 800 direct employees and more than 1,400 engaged through contractors. In 2025, the company produced over 145,000 ounces of gold, contributed more than US$111 million in taxes and royalties, and injected over US$360 million into the local economy.

Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Yang Yang said the project demonstrated how clean energy could replace diesel-heavy systems in remote operations, describing it as a step toward sustainable development through international cooperation. AGM said it is already advancing additional solar and battery systems at Buckhall Port as part of a broader expansion of its renewable footprint.

SOURCE: Kaieteur News, “Aurora Gold Mine commissions Guyana’s largest solar facility in Region Seven,” April 9, 2026