Pre-qualified bidders are to submit proposals October 30 for an engineering-procurement-construction contract to build the 154-MW Amaila Falls hydroelectric project on the Kuribrong River in west central Guyana.
Project sponsors Sithe Global Power of the United States and Synergy Holdings Inc. of Guyana met with government and community representatives in September, explaining that the project was increased in size from 100 MW as a result of study work. Sithe pre-qualified bidders in April. (HNN 3/25/08)
When completed, Amaila Falls would be Guyana’s first major hydroelectric project. Sponsors have said the site has potential for expansion to 410 MW and eventually to 1,060 MW.
The estimated US$400 million to US$500 million project is to include a powerhouse containing four turbine-generators, two roller-compacted-concrete dams, 300 kilometers of double-circuit 230-kilovolt transmission lines, and associated substations. Located 40 kilometers northwest of Kaieteur National Park, the project is to include 85 kilometers of access roads.
Constructed on a build-own-operate-transfer basis, Amaila Falls is expected to be financed by Sithe and sources such as the Inter-American Development Bank and World Bank. Project power is to be sold to Guyana Power &Light under a long-term contract.
