Jamaica advances process to procure 100MW from renewables

Jamaica’s process to supply 100MW from renewable energies has advanced to the request for proposals (RFP) stage.

BNamericas previously reported that 42 companies submitted expressions of interest for the 20-year PPAs.

The government’s Generation Procurement Entity (GPE) will publish license and PPA forms and open registration in October, with bids due January 25 through February 1. Offers will be opened on the latter date.

Having submitted an expression of interest is not a condition for participating in the RFP.

GPE highlights that independent power producers only can sell output to electric utility Jamaica Public Service (JPS), which also may participate in the RFP. JPS’s potential participation has raised concern among some stakeholders.

Solar projects much achieve commercial operation within 24 months and other technologies within 30 months, according to the RFP.

The launch of a second tranche for 168MW is penciled in for next year.

The country’s renewable energy target is 50% by 2030. Current installed capacity reaches 1,041MW, of which 83% is thermal, primarily natural gas, and the remainder renewables (wind, hydro and solar).