Energy Programme To Be Boosted

The country’s energy programme will be boosted in 2015/16 through the modernisation of infrastructure, including the development of a smart grid, and regulating provisions for the treatment of renewable and alternative energy.

This was disclosed by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, while delivering the Throne Speech on Thursday, February 19, at Gordon House.

“Power purchase agreements have been signed with the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) for 78 MW of renewable energy, and this investment will see Jamaica having the largest solar farm in the English-speaking Caribbean,” he said.

The Governor-General said the agreement with UC RUSAL to restart the Alpart bauxite plant is timely, given the critical role of the mining and energy sectors to the economy.

He said that some work will start in the first quarter of this year, while renovation and upgrading of Alpart’s port and rail system will take place in the second quarter. “Full reopening of the plant at Nain is slated for the second quarter of 2017,” he said.

Turning to the agricultural sector, he informed that during 2015/16, additional agro park sites will be established in western Jamaica and St. Mary.

“The agricultural sector remains an important plank in the Government’s economic architecture and the creation of agro parks is a crucial aspect of our development strategy,” the Governor-General said.

The Throne Speech, titled ‘Partnership for Development: Inclusive Growth…Expanding Opportunities’, outlined the priority programmes and policies to be pursued by the Government during the new fiscal year, which begins on April 1.