Gov’t Working on Electricity Demand Plan

The Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology is working to complete an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which will take account of current and future electricity demand.

This was disclosed by Portfolio Minister, Dr. the Hon. Andrew Wheatley, during the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s ‘Renewables Made in Germany’ Seminar at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on June 20.

“The IRP will establish the projected electricity demand over a 20-year period and determine the generating capacities that will be required to satisfy the demand over that period,” he said.

Dr. Wheatley said the IRP will inform the procurement of new generating capacities going forward as well as the investment requirements for the transmission and distribution system over the medium to long term.

“So, for the first time in Jamaica’s history, the energy sector will be developed in a structured way, consistent with the National Energy Policy,” he said.

He said upon completion of the IRP, all stakeholders, including the investment community, will have a clear view of the agreed suite of medium- to long-term investment opportunities and a clear methodology for participation.

“It is my hope that the IRP will catalyse the development of the sector and we will see a greater demand for professional services like engineers, tradesmen, technicians and several other professionals, in keeping with the mandate of the Government to create prosperity through job creation,” he said.

In the meantime, Dr. Wheatley said the Government remains committed to the continued transformation of the energy sector through fuel diversification.

He added that this measure and the relevant legislative framework are critical components for the growth of the sector.

He further noted that the Ministry will continue to aggressively pursue its 2030 target of having 30 per cent of Jamaica’s energy generated from renewable sources.

“Jamaica has developed the environment and an appreciation for that level of diversification and incorporation of renewables in our energy mix,” he said.

He noted that Jamaica’s progress in the energy sector is encouraging and has earned the country regional and international recognition over the last 12 months.

“We have received recognition from the International Monetary Fund, and, recently, we were awarded as the regional leader in Latin America and the Caribbean as it relates to renewables,” Dr. Wheatley informed.

For his part, Deputy Head of Mission, German Embassy in Jamaica, said his country has invested a great deal of resources in the research, development and application of technology for generating energy from renewable sources.

“Germany has developed highly efficient, world-class technologies in all performance categories, renewable energy technologies, products and services made in Germany enjoy an outstanding international reputation. They stand for quality, reliability, efficiency and safety,” he said.