Best Government Infrastructure Strategy, Caribbean 2016
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Best Government Infrastructure Strategy, Caribbean 2016

Jamaica

The largest solar power project in the Caribbean

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Although Caribbean countries may be enjoying the benefits of a drop in crude for now, dependence on oil has long been a problem for the region. But observers say that Jamaica has taken definitive steps in the past year to diversify its energy sources.

One economist highlights the approval given by the Office of Utilities Regulation in March that allowed JPS (Jamaican Public Service Company) to upgrade its Old Harbour power plant from oil to liquefied natural gas (LNG).

“The openness of the power regulator allowed JPS to upgrade its plant, which is absolutely vital,” says one Caribbean economist.

This followed the conversion of the 120MW Bogue power plant from oil to LNQ, which in August led to gas arriving in Jamaica for the first time.

Away from LNQ, and with Jamaica targeting 20% renewable energy by 2020, construction is now well under way on the largest solar power project in the Caribbean — the photo-voltaic facility being built in Clarendon. It is also Jamaica’s first utility-scale solar project.

Analysts also point to the fact that Jamaica’s privatisation initiatives started by the previous PNP government have continued under Jamaica’s Labour Party, elected to government earlier this year.

“This should ensure Jamaica’s infrastructure becomes more sustainable not just environmentally but also economically,” says the economist.

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