Jamaica begins renewable energy procurement, keeps nuclear option open

Jamaica’s Generation Procurement Entity has issued a call for expressions of interest to supply 100MW from renewable energy on a build, own and operate basis.

Energy minister Daryl Vaz made the announcement during a presentation to parliament where he highlighted the increase in the renewable energy target to 50% from 30% by 2030.

The island’s current installed capacity reaches 1,041MW, of which 83% is thermal, primarily natural gas, and the remainder renewables (wind, hydro and solar).

Vaz also said that work is underway to update the 2009-30 national energy policy, and that policies for electric vehicles and energy efficiency in public buildings are expected by next month.

He highlighted that the Jamaica Urban Transit company will be acquiring 200 electric buses over the next three years.

Other actions include advancement of studies to introduce waste to energy infrastructure, combatting electricity theft and the phase-out of incandescent bulbs, the latter of which would represent an estimated 25MW reduction of demand over four years.

“In 2022, Jamaica’s level of non-technical losses accounted for 20% of the electricity generated. This is among the highest in the region; 70% of the losses result from electricity theft,” according to the official.

A national electricity loss reduction plan is scheduled for completion next month.

On the net billing front, Vaz expressed satisfaction with the number of licenses granted to date, underpinned by last year’s approval of related regulations. 

“Over the period 2016 to 2022, 687 net billing licenses were granted, bringing the overall capacity of the program to just under 23MW, and the total number of net billing licenses issued to 1,067.”

NUCLEAR POWER

Another area the minister briefed lawmakers on was the potential for incorporating nuclear energy into the mix.

“If Jamaica does not join the rest of the world in pursuit of building its own nuclear energy capabilities, we will be left behind,” he said and pitched the use of small and micro modular reactors.

Vaz added that talks have been held with the International Atomic Energy Agency and that once consultation is complete a roadmap will be presented.

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