Jamaica targets IRP progress, intends to procure 320MW of renewables this year

• The Caribbean's leader in renewable energy, Jamaica, is wanting to procure 320MW of renewables this year as part of plans to diversify its energy market.

Jamaica's federal government is working towards an ambitious Integrated Resource Plan which has actually established how the island intends to procure power over the next two decades. The campaign has established an objective of adding 1.6 GW of added capability to assist in minimized energy costs as well as decrease vulnerability of the energy market to exterior shocks such as oil rates.

Of that figure, 1.26 GW has been allocated for wind and solar, 320MW of which is due to be procured this year as Jamaica makes its very first steps in the direction of purchase.

Offered the "serious passion" in the country's energy sector, there ought to be no worry in meeting this target, according to government firm Jampro.

Diane Edwards, head of state of Jampro, claimed: "While there was a sensation of uncertainty, specifically at the beginning of the pandemic, we knew that we needed to remain to support our partnerships and the renewable energy chance in Jamaica, as well as raise our advertising and marketing tasks.

" Covid-19 re-emphasised the truth that industries like logistics, energy, and also farming should be major priorities, so the Jamaican federal government really used this time to determine the locations that required a lot more concentrate as we proceed Jamaica's development."

Field advancement efforts have actually continued, as well as Jampro has partnered with entities fresh Energy Events and UK trade body The Association for Renewable Energy & Clean Technology (REA) to continue its worldwide promotion of the energy sector.

The country intends to have 33% of power generation from renewables by 2030, building on an existing line of renewable energy projects on the island which includes the 20MW Material Solar project, possessed by WRB Energy Company in Clarendon, as well as the 51MWp Paradise Park solar farm in Westmoreland, which is the biggest solar nuclear power plant in Jamaica.

Pertaining to these projects, Don Gittens, Jampro's manager of logistics, energy, and facilities, claimed: "Present renewable energy projects stand for roughly 14% of energy generation in Jamaica, but our target is 50%. There is therefore a substantial opportunity because we have that space in between 14% and 50% that we plan to loaded with additional renewable energy investments."

Jamaica has also started work on the development of a digital vehicle charging network, verifying the nation's commitment to different energy resources.

Gittens claimed: "This is a really amazing time within the local and global energy field as everything is moving towards renewable energy. Once the RFPs are ready, we are confident there will be a great deal of financial investment coming through."