Dennis Minott | A cleaner energy future for Jamaica

As the global shift toward renewable energy accelerates, Jamaica faces a critical decision about its energy future. Kenton Palmer’s insightful article, supported by Allan Searchwell’s comments, highlights a promising pathway for the nation: a government-owned electricity grid powered by renewable energy mini-grids.

This proposal has gained traction for good reason. Not only could it lead to a cleaner, more resilient energy system, but it could also provide the flexibility and sustainability needed to address the country’s current energy challenges.

At the heart of this model lies the potential for Jamaica to build a network of 10 to 12 interconnected green mini-grids. These mini-grids, powered by renewable sources such as solar, wind, biomass, and energy storage, could be designed to operate independently or in conjunction with a national grid. The flexibility this approach offers is critical, especially for a country like Jamaica that is vulnerable to extreme weather events which often disrupt the central power grid.

LESSONS FROM URUGUAY AND COSTA RICA

Countries such as Uruguay and Costa Rica have successfully transitioned to renewable energy systems, proving that such an approach is not only feasible but also beneficial. Uruguay, for instance, generates nearly 98 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources. This achievement has transformed the country’s energy landscape, allowing it to break free from the volatility of fossil fuel markets and reduce electricity costs. The country’s renewable energy infrastructure, built on a mix of wind, solar, and hydropower, serves as a shining example of what is possible when there is strong political will and strategic investment in green energy.

Costa Rica, similarly, has achieved remarkable progress, consistently generating over 90 per cent of its electricity from renewables. The key to Costa Rica’s success lies in its diversified energy mix, which includes hydropower, wind, geothermal, biomass, and solar energy. By investing in a variety of renewable sources, Costa Rica has built a resilient energy system that can adapt to fluctuations in supply and demand while minimising environmental impact. Notably, both countries have also implemented policies that incentivise renewable energy investment and encourage private sector participation.

Jamaica can and should follow in these footsteps. With abundant sunshine, wind resources, and biomass potential, there is no shortage of renewable energy options for the island to explore. A mini-grid system would allow for the efficient utilisation of these resources while providing much-needed redundancy and resilience in the face of natural disasters.

WHY PUBLIC OWNERSHIP OF THE GRID IS CRUCIAL

The call for a government-owned electricity grid in Jamaica is a logical extension of the push for renewable energy. Public ownership would allow the government to make long-term investments in the energy sector that align with national interests rather than the profit-driven motives of a private monopoly like the Jamaica Public Service (JPS). The government could prioritise the modernisation of the grid infrastructure, ensuring that it is equipped to handle the integration of more renewable energy sources. In contrast, under the current structure, JPS’s primary focus is on maintaining its bottom line, which often leads to delays in necessary upgrades and a reluctance to embrace transformative technologies.

By transitioning the grid to public ownership, Jamaica would gain greater control over its energy future. It would be able to strategically plan for the transition to renewables, investing in the technologies and infrastructure needed to ensure a stable, reliable, and clean energy supply. This is particularly important as the world continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change and the volatility of global fossil fuel markets. In a world where energy independence is becoming increasingly valuable, Jamaica cannot afford to be left behind.

UNLOCKING INNOVATION AND INVESTMENT

One of the most exciting aspects of this proposal is the opportunity to open up the energy market to multiple renewable energy providers. By breaking the JPS monopoly and allowing for competition, Jamaica could spur innovation in the energy sector. With the right regulatory framework in place, renewable energy companies – both local and international – could bring cutting-edge technologies to the island, helping to drive down the cost of electricity while increasing the reliability of the grid.

In addition to electricity providers, opening the market to electric vehicle (EV) charging networks would be a game-changer. As more Jamaicans look to make the switch to EVs, having a robust and accessible charging infrastructure will be critical. By encouraging private investment in this space, Jamaica could accelerate the adoption of EVs, reducing its reliance on imported fossil fuels and cutting greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector.

Moreover, this new energy model would create opportunities for Jamaican businesses and investors. Local entrepreneurs could play a key role in developing and operating renewable energy projects, while investors could take advantage of new markets in clean energy technologies and services. The potential for job creation in areas such as solar panel installation, wind turbine maintenance, and pumped energy storage systems is significant, offering a path toward sustainable economic growth.

TIME TO ACT IS NOW

The clock is ticking for Jamaica to take control of its energy future. JPS’s current licence is set to automatically renew in 2027, meaning that the government has a limited window of opportunity to enact meaningful change. If action is not taken soon, the country risks locking itself into another decades-long monopoly, which would stifle innovation and delay the transition to renewable energy.

The Government must act decisively to terminate JPS’s licence and transition the grid to public ownership. With a clear vision and a strategic plan, Jamaica can build a modern, resilient energy system that not only meets its current needs but also positions the country as a leader in green energy in the Caribbean.

By following the examples of Uruguay and Costa Rica, Jamaica can rapidly transition to a cleaner, more reliable energy system. Public ownership of the grid, combined with private investment in renewable energy generation, offers the best path forward. This is the moment for Jamaica to break free from its outdated energy model and embrace a future powered by renewable energy. The benefits – lower costs, greater reliability, and a cleaner environment – are well within reach. But the time to act is now.

Dennis Minott, PhD, is the CEO of A-QuEST-FAIR. He is a multilingual green resources specialist, a research physicist, and a modest mathematician who worked in the oil and energy sector. Send feedback to a_quest57@yahoo.com or columns@gleanerjm.com