Ambassador Says US Ready to Partner with Jamaica for Clean Energy
By: , August 16, 2016The Key Point:
Photo: Garwin Davis
Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Dr. the Hon. Andrew Wheatley (right), exchanges greetings with United States Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Luis Moreno (left), while head of the Virgin Group, Sir Richard Branson, looks on. The occasion was the opening of Blue Mountain Renewables (BMR) Jamaica Wind Project in Potsdam, St. Elizabeth on August 11.The Facts
- Mr. Moreno said the US views with pride the fact that BMR Energy, an American company, is the first private investor from any country to build, own and operate a renewable energy-generation facility in Jamaica.
- The Ambassador said that based on the efforts of BMR, Jamaica will see a five-fold increase in its clean-energy production in four years, adding that it will reach nearly 10 per cent of national electricity capacity by 2017.
The Full Story
United States Ambassador to Jamaica, Luis Moreno, says the US Government stands ready to partner with Jamaica to bring clean, reliable and affordable energy to the island.
Speaking at the opening of the BMR Energy wind farm in Potsdam, St. Elizabeth, on August 11, Mr. Moreno said the objective is to break Jamaica’s dependence on expensive, high-carbon and fossil fuels.
“If Jamaica commits to getting 50 per cent of its energy from renewables by 2030, the US Government and our innovative private sector will be there to make that commitment a reality,” he said.
Mr. Moreno said the US views with pride the fact that BMR Energy, an American company, is the first private investor from any country to build, own and operate a renewable energy-generation facility in Jamaica.
He said that with the help of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and other international agencies, he has a personal goal to leave a legacy of US$1 billion in US investment in Jamaica.
“I don’t have many months left (in Jamaica), but I am proud to say that we are at the US$500-million mark now and I am sure we are going to get there,” the Ambassador said.
OPIC is the US Government’s development finance institution which helps US businesses gain footholds in emerging markets, catalysing revenues, jobs and growth opportunities both at home and abroad.
The Ambassador said that based on the efforts of BMR, Jamaica will see a five-fold increase in its clean-energy production in four years, adding that it will reach nearly 10 per cent of national electricity capacity by 2017.
“Today we celebrate Jamaica’s achievements in showing the rest of the world that action on climate change is possible if we work together,” he added.