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Gov’t to Implement New Energy Efficiency Programme

By: , February 12, 2017

The Key Point:

The Government plans to implement a $30 million Energy Management and Efficiency Programme (EMEP) this year that will consolidate and expand on the achievements of two other major initiatives.
Gov’t to Implement New Energy Efficiency Programme
Photo: Melroy Sterling
Science, Energy and Technology Minister, Dr. the Hon. Andrew Wheatley (third left), unveils signage at Wolmer’s High School for Girls in Kingston for a solar photovoltaic system that was installed at the institution by the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica. The occasion was a symbolic presentation ceremony at the school on February 10. Looking on (from left) are: School Board Chairman, Lincoln McIntyre; Principal, Colleen Montague; Head Girl, Shanae Christian; ninth grade student, Suen Chong; and Manager of the PCJ’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Department, Dr. Peter Ruddock.

The Facts

  • These are the Energy Security Efficiency and Enhancement Project (ESEEP) and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Project (EECP).
  • The overall project forms part of PCJ’s ongoing efforts to reduce the public sector energy bill.

The Full Story

The Government plans to implement a $30 million Energy Management and Efficiency Programme (EMEP) this year that will consolidate and expand on the achievements of two other major initiatives.

These are the Energy Security Efficiency and Enhancement Project (ESEEP) and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Project (EECP).

Both were designed to promote and facilitate energy efficiency, security and conservation engagements within the public and private sectors.

Science, Energy and Technology Minister, Dr. the Hon. Andrew Wheatley, made the announcement while speaking at ceremony at Wolmer’s High School for Girls in Kingston on February 10 for the symbolic presentation of a $7 million solar photovoltaic system that was installed by the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ).

Dr. Wheatley said the EMEP, which will be jointly financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), aimed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, among other benefits.

“In increasing the gains made from ESEEP and EECP, the EMEP will….reduce travel times and lessen fuel consumption through improved traffic control management, which will translate to lower carbon dioxide,” he said.

Wolmer’s is one of 15 schools across the island shortlisted to receive a 10-kilowatt grid-tied solar photovoltaic system under the PCJ’s $62 million initiative, which also entailed extensive lighting upgrades.

The overall project forms part of PCJ’s ongoing efforts to reduce the public sector energy bill.

Dr. Wheatley the presentation of the energy efficient equipment was indicative of the benefits which could be derived from partnerships.

“The PCJ and Government are aware of the importance of energy security and efficiency in driving development…and (have a) shared commitment to bringing all public entities up to competitive standards in energy efficiency and conservation,” he said.

Manager of the PCJ’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Department, Dr. Peter Ruddock, said the system at Wolmer’s comprises 42 solar panels, grid-tied inverters and data logger that will enable the agency to monitor its performance via the internet.

Dr. Ruddock said the system should reduce the school’s electricity bill by approximately $474,000.

Principal, Colleen Montague, said the savings generated on the school’s energy bills were used to purchase 90 state-of-the-art computers, while Board Chairman, Lincoln McIntyre, expressed gratitude for the PCJ’s gesture.

Last Updated: February 13, 2017

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