Work to Introduce Natural Gas Advanced

KINGSTON-Work towards the introduction of natural gas to reduce Jamaica's energy costs and improve the country's competitiveness is at an advanced stage, said Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen.

The Governor-General, who was delivering the Throne Speech to open the new Parliamentary year in Gordon House this morning (April 14), informed that Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for the supply of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) will shortly be issued.

He pointed out that RFPs have already been tendered for the installation of 480 megawatts of new generating capacity to replace old generating plants whose inefficiency contributes to the high cost of energy.  "This is of particular importance to the manufacturing sector whose ability to compete is significantly affected by energy costs," he said.

He informed that the Government remains fully committed to supporting the manufacturing sector, which is a major employer of labour, contributes substantially to the economy and is one of the engines of growth that must be strengthened.

"The Government will continue to support its modernisation, the application of new technology and the penetration of new markets," the Governor-General added.

The Government of Jamaica has designed a National Energy Policy, which seeks to promote the creation of a modern, efficient energy infrastructure to boost economic development.

By CHRIS PATTERSON, JIS Reporter