Jamaica working on RFP for new power generation

A request for proposals (RFP) to add new power generation capacity in Jamaica is expected to be made within six months, according to energy minister Daryl Vaz.

“We want to see a significant increase in our generation capacity and our renewable energy share based on the integrated resource plan,” Vaz said during his 2021-22 sectoral debate presentation to lawmakers. 

The plan envisions that renewables will account for 32% of power production in 2030 and 49% by 2037, with estimated investment of US$2.8bn, added the minister. Clean energies currently account for around 20%. 

According to the official, if Jamaica could reduce its dependence on oil by 20%, it would have represented savings of US$900mn over the last three years. 

Other power sector actions underway include advances in electromobility, with the recent creation of an electric vehicle council, and efforts to tackle electricity theft, which is estimated to account for 15-17% of net generation.

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Vaz also pointed to this year’s expected completion of legislation related to regulations covering net billing, wheeling and auxiliary connections.

HYDROCARBONS

“Oil and gas exploration continues … if this exploration is successful and properly managed, the potential for Jamaica would indeed be transformational,” said Vaz, highlighting work being carried out by United Oil & Gas.

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On the legislative and regulatory front, the minister expects a petroleum bill and regulations for downstream activities to be ready in 2021.

Regarding state refiner Petrojam, he said that following public consultation “there was the consensus for the establishment of a public-private partnership in terms of the preferred strategic direction of Petrojam’s operations.”