Solar Plant Being Built in Westmoreland

Construction of a 37-megawatt solar energy plant in Westmoreland by Eight Rivers Energy Company Limited has commenced and is expected to be completed either late 2018 or early 2019.

Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Dr. the Hon. Andrew Wheatley, made the disclosure during his contribution to the 2018/19 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on May 15.

He informed that a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement was signed in March 2017 between Eight Rivers Energy Company and the Jamaica Public Service Company to supply electricity generated from solar to the national grid.

“This project represents the first Jamaican female-led major Renewable Energy Infrastructure Development. We are very pleased to see that the women are taking charge and they are providing the energy to drive real growth and prosperity,” Dr. Wheatley said.

Meanwhile, this year will see the solarisation of Jamaica House, an effort which will produce an annual energy yield of 13,000 kilowatt hours, while significantly reducing the country’s annual carbon emissions by 15,000 kilograms.