Energy Sector Must Be Commended for Resilience and Dedication to National Development – Minister Vaz

Minister of Science, Energy, Technology and Transport, Hon. Daryl Vaz, says the energy sector must be commended for its remarkable resilience and dedication to national development over the past two years.

Highlighting the sector’s pivotal role in the country’s economic stability and growth, Mr. Vaz specifically acknowledged the crucial contribution of service station dealers in ensuring the smooth operations of Jamaica’s fuel supply chain.

He was speaking at a recent Texaco Retail Network Conference, held at the Jewel Paradise Cove in Runaway Bay, St. Ann.

“The Government is committed to transforming the nation’s energy landscape through a series of comprehensive policies, aimed at fostering innovation, sustainability, and resilience,” Mr. Vaz noted, adding that the importance of creating a modern, efficient, diverse and environmentally sustainable energy sector to secure Jamaica’s energy future remains atop the agenda.

The Minister said that central to this vision is the newly unveiled national energy policy for the period 2024 to 2050, which outlines the Government’s strategic roadmap towards a sustainable energy future.

He cited the completion of the associated three-action plan, which places strong emphasis on energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, and reducing carbon emissions.

Minister Vaz, in the meantime, said that in looking ahead, the growing significance of electric vehicles in shaping the future of transportation must be something the entire energy sector ought to be taking into serious consideration.

He noted that alternative energy solutions, particularly electric vehicles, are set to transform the transportation sector, with service stations playing a critical role in this transition.

Mr. Vaz said that the Government has been proactive in its approach towards an electric vehicle policy framework, which supports the integration of electric vehicles and the development of charging infrastructure across the island.

“Service stations are poised to serve as key enablers in this shift towards electric vehicles, with plans to integrate electric vehicle charging ports into their facilities,” he pointed out, noting the crucial role that service stations will play in facilitating the transition and ensuring the sustainability and prosperity of Jamaica’s energy sector.

The Minister said that the Government’s commitment to driving sustainable energy initiatives and securing a resilient energy future for Jamaica can never be overstated, adding that by leveraging innovative policies and embracing new technologies, Jamaica aims to build a modern, efficient and environmentally sustainable energy sector that will propel the nation towards a prosperous and sustainable future.