PM Says Opening of LNG Terminal Positions Jamaica as Major Energy Force

Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness says the opening of the new US$175 million Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal in Montego, St. James,  has now positioned Jamaica as a major energy force in the Caribbean.

Mr. Holness adds that there is every reason to believe that the introduction of LNG into the country’s energy mix could be a real game changer and has the potential to rapidly improve Jamaica’s economic fortunes.

The Prime Minister, who was giving the keynote address at the Jamaica Public Service (JPS)  ‘Gas to Jamaica’ celebration, at the Bogue Power Plant, St. James, on November 11,  said the country is also strategically poised to become the LNG hub of the region.

“Energy is the most successful structural adjustment endeavour that the government has ever undertaken. Our economic programme, our fiscal programme and now specifically our economic growth programme, will be impacted positively as a result of these groundbreaking moves,” he said.

The Prime Minister  argued that his administration has no intention of letting up on the numerous opportunities that are now available.

“At the end of these adjustments you are going to have a different Jamaica. Just imagine for a moment the possibilities that will come as a result of a restructured energy environment. Because we now have LNG, we could have our buses using LNG, saving significantly on our operating cost and reducing our carbon footprint,” he said.

Mr. Holness  told the gathering that in discussions with JPS’ LNG partner, New Fortress Energy, he believes  they are fully committed to making Jamaica a regional LNG force and that plans are well advanced for the construction of another facility in Old Harbour.

“I sat with the company’s CEO on November 10 and he gave the commitment that the intention is to make Jamaica the central hub for supplying energy in the region,” the Prime Minister added.

American company, New Fortress Energy LLC, invested US$175 million to construct the LNG terminal at the Montego Bay port. The LNG, which arrived nearly two weeks ago, is channeled through pipelines to the JPS Bogue Power Plant. The plant previously used Automotive Diesel Oil (ADO).

Mr. Holness  noted that by doing the diversification, Jamaica’s energy prices are likely to be attractive going into the future.

“We are going to see investments coming into Jamaica from across the Caribbean and the wider region as a result. The possibilities are not only real, they are staring us right in the face as a result of the structural adjustments we are making,” he said.