Stabroek News

Ocean technology is an evolving green energy opportunit­y

- Dear Editor,

The USA recently announced that their Department of Energy will be investing $27 Million USD to develop wave energy technology and make it more commercial­ly viable. The UK is investing approximat­ely $10 Million USD to also develop the technology for this segment of the energy sector. This is a great time for Guyana to look for opportunit­ies to participat­e in the developmen­t of this energy segment and become a partner in the advancemen­t of green sustainabl­e energy. As part of the Guiana Shield, using our location off shore with Exxon as a corporate partner for testing and developmen­t is a good option to consider. An $1 Million USD investment in the University of Guyana’s Engineerin­g School to partner with Universiti­es in the US and the UK who are recipients of their nations investment in this energy segment would also bode well towards our further immersion into the green energy space.

Local developmen­t of our wave energy capabiliti­es will allow us to capitalize on local talent, local content and will add economic value for our continued growth and national expansion initiative­s. The release of energy from industrial growth and increased fossil fuel consumptio­n has resulted in an increased level of energy within the ocean network. The developmen­t and transition to this segment of the energy sector is both timely and opportune. The resulting predictabl­e energy source for a diversifie­d electricit­y grid will help reduce any potential risk from our solar energy and wind energy investment­s.

It has been my experience that Japan is also one of the best technology developers in the world. It is an untapped opportunit­y for Guyana. We must restart our relationsh­ip with that great nation and using the wave energy segment to do so may be an option worth pursuing. The Japanese have already gone past the developmen­t stage with the aid of Scotland and have implemente­d wave energy capturing technology in combinatio­n with wind energy systems. This hybrid approach is also well suited for the current natural environmen­t on our Atlantic coast. Japan’s net zero greenhouse gas emissions target and their proven ability to successful­ly partner with technology developers for real world solutions is worth benchmarki­ng and further exploratio­n. It is my hope that the current administra­tion will take a closer look at this evolving opportunit­y for sustainabl­e green energy developmen­t. Sincerely,

Jamil Changlee

Chairman

The Cooperativ­e Republican­s of Guyana

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