Renewable Energy in Jamaica – in the pipeline or pipe dream?

Living in a country with almost constant sunshine has a myriad of advantages. Having the opportunity to go to the beach all year round, with the temperature never dropping below 60 degrees, offers lots of positives. Another one that immediately jumps at me is the harnessing of the sun to produce energy. Jamaica is in desperate need of diversifying its energy sources.

Increasingly, public discourse is turning towards renewable energy as both a cost-effective and a greener option. I am an optimist by nature but I am also a pragmatist who knows that while Jamaica has no shortage of brilliant ideas, the country often falls short on the execution of those ideas.

With energy being the heart of both commerce and a major percentage of  Jamaica’s spend, it has to be a major priority to get it right.

Energy costs in Jamaica are among the highest in the region, and sadly the world, with a cost of US$0.42 per kilowatt in some cases.  Minister Phillip Paulwell, who heads Jamaica’s Science, Technology, Energy and Mining Ministry, spoke recently about the fact that over 15% of the country’s GDP is being devoted to the purchase of crude oil to produce electricity.

My heart sank at that statement. That money could be spent on projects that increase the country’s revenues, not reduce it!

In addition, the nation’s residents, and those in business are calling loudest for a revolution in the country’s provision of electricity. The nation’s manufacturers have identified high electricity costs as one of the major factors holding back their growth.

Currently Jamaica has a wind farm and some small hydro plants contributing to the national energy grid. These contribute less than 10% to the national energy pool.

Moves to diversify the energy mix are already underway, as tenders for the provision of up to 115MW of power from renewable energy sources have been assessed and are now moving to implementation.

Companies have proposed a number of options, including electricity generated from solar, waste and hydro among others. There is no doubt that interesting times are ahead for the energy landscape in Jamaica.

Having just attended the All-Energy Conference in Aberdeen, I am now more convinced that Jamaica needs renewable energy, and that it needs to happen sooner than later.

The conference brought together a diverse group of companies in the renewable energy industry, and included other related sectors including universities, insurance and security. A wealth of experience and innovation showcased by UK companies was astounding.

Before the conference, all UKTI commercial officers attending got the benefit of a wealth of information at an all-day conference, spearheaded by Simon Carter and Jonathan Spencer of UKTI. This provided us with an increased awareness of the issues, possibilities and challenges with each type of renewable energy options.

It also allowed us to more actively participate in the conference. We also met many of those who are shaping or are integrally involved in the industry.

From what I saw at the All –Energy conference, and the conversations that I had with people who were interested in the Jamaican and the other Caribbean markets, it appears that renewable energy is at a place that is accessible and affordable for the region. The changes I am seeing should not just be for the national grid but for all Jamaicans who want to reduce their dependence on the national electricity provider.

One of my most memorable moments in Scotland was meeting a farmer in search of increased energy for his farm. Currently he uses wind and has 3 wind turbines that help to power both his farm and his home. He spoke passionately about how it has reduced his costs and how he sees it as being a possible new business as well. When I saw him later in the day, he was negotiating feverishly for an additional 5 turbines.

Sadly, renewable energy has been on the agenda for years in Jamaica but I am hopeful that we will move from talk to action. I am hoping that the energy – pun intended – around the renewable plants due soon will spill over to a general appreciation amongst all Jamaicans for these energy sources.

Now that I have gotten that off my chest on a warm Saturday afternoon, I am going to explore yet another benefit of the sun – a barbecue with friends by the pool complete with Scottish whiskey acquired in Aberdeen!