“Reckless and Politically Motivated”: Dr. Vincent Adams Slams Proposed Berbice Gas Project Amid Wales Failures
By: Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News|
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — The Government’s announcement of a second major Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project in Berbice, Region 6, has drawn a scathing critique from prominent petroleum engineer and former EPA Head, Dr. Vincent Adams. Speaking on Saturday, April 11, 2026, Adams questioned the rationale behind launching a new multi-billion-dollar venture while the flagship Phase 1 at Wales remains mired in delays, cost overruns, and what he describes as “gross mismanagement.”
The Berbice project, intended to support a second wave of industrialization by 2030, is being touted by the administration as the final step in reducing national electricity bills by 50%. However, for Dr. Adams, the move is more indicative of “political theater” than sound engineering or economic planning.
The “Wales Warning”: A Pattern of Delays
Dr. Adams pointed to the shifting goalposts of the US$2 billion Wales GTE project as evidence of the government’s inability to manage large-scale energy infrastructure.
- Flipped Schedules: Originally promised for completion by December 2024, the timeline for the 300MW plant has been repeatedly pushed back.
- Current Status: During the 2026 Guyana Energy Conference, task force head Winston Brassington admitted the plant will not reach full combined-cycle capacity until mid-2027.
- Simple Cycle Startup: While a “simple cycle” startup of 228MW is now targeted for late 2026, Dr. Adams argued that these “scheduled flips” stem from a fundamental lack of initial project planning and the absence of a comprehensive feasibility study.
Safety and the Missing EIA
One of the most “alarming” charges made by the former EPA chief is the alleged lack of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) specifically for the gas plant component of the Wales project.
- Hazardous Operations: Adams categorized the gas processing facility as one of the most hazardous operations in Guyana’s history.
- Emergency Preparedness: He raised serious concerns about the readiness of local emergency services. “How will there be an emergency response? People have to be trained in these specific chemicals. It’s not just throwing water—in some cases, throwing water makes it worse,” Adams warned.
- Reckless Execution: He accused the government of being “reckless” for moving toward a Berbice expansion before proving they can safely and competently operate the high-pressure system at Wales.
The Berbice Vision vs. Reality
The proposed Region 6 Gas-to-Shore project is intended to land at the mouth of the Berbice River, potentially supporting an alumina plant, fertilizer production, and a second 300MW power plant.
- Phase 2 Expansion: The government plans to use gas from the Longtail and Southeast Gas Area of the Stabroek Block to fuel this eastern hub.
- Adams’ Critique: Dr. Adams remains curious about the “possibility” of such a feat when Phase 1 is “far from completion.” He suggested that the push for a Berbice project is a move to satisfy political interests rather than a response to verified technical readiness.
A Call for Accountability
Dr. Adams concluded his critique by stressing the importance of civic engagement and urging Guyanese to hold leaders accountable for managing the country’s natural wealth. He warned that “political motivation” should never override “safety and technical standards,” especially in an industry where mistakes can be catastrophic. As the government prepares to move its heavy equipment to the Berbice River mouth, the shadow of the incomplete Wales plant continues to loom large over Guyana’s energy future.
