Jamaica raises renewable energy procurement to 268MW

Jamaica’s government has increased to 268MW from 100MW the requirement in the process to procure renewable energy capacity.

In an update to the call for expressions of interest (EOI), the Generation Procurement Entity (GPE) said the change aims to fall in line with the country’s renewable energy target of 50% 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).

GPE added that the process – launched in May – has now been split into two tranches, with the second tranche scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2024.

“This intention [to split the 268MW] does not preclude any response to the EOI, to demonstrate a potential project, its scope and justification for its sizing. All responses will be considered, as the purpose of the EOI is to allow for a market driven information process to enhance the final RFPs [requests for proposals] and related documents,” the government agency said.

Consultation concludes July 7, and the end of the response period is July 21, with EOIs due by July 28.

Winners will enter into agreements with the buyer, the Jamaica Public Service, and a PPA may be extended, subject to approval from the Office of Utilities Regulation.