New US Ambassador hosts Jamaican delegation to solar power conference

Underscoring his commitment to bolstering trade and investment between the United States and Jamaica, new US Ambassador Don Tapia will host a high-level Jamaican delegation to attend Solar Power International (SPI), the largest renewable energy trade show in North America, Salt Lake City, Utah, from September 23-26.

The Jamaican delegation will comprise public and private-sector energy experts, including Minister of Science, Energy, and Technology Fayval Williams and professionals from eight Jamaican companies and five Jamaican government corporations and agencies. The goal of the trip is to introduce Jamaican companies and government institutions to the myriad innovative and affordable renewable-energy solutions available in the US to meet Jamaica’s current and future energy needs.

During the four-day trade show, Jamaican representatives will gain exposure to the latest trends in electric vehicle charging stations, energy efficiency, energy storage, micro-grids, and other clean-energy solutions.

During a briefing session with the Jamaican delegation, Tapia welcomed the participants that will attend the conference. The ambassador emphasised that “US companies are industry leaders in the renewable energy sector, and best of all, they are a quick plane ride away with short, reliable supply chains. The new technologies exhibited in the show can help propel Jamaica’s thrust to achieve 20 per cent of its energy generation as part of the Government of Jamaica’s 2030 vision.”

Said Tapia: “We take pride in our longstanding productive partnership with Jamaica, and as good neighbours, stand ready to support the island’s development of clean, secure, and affordable energy.”

The trip supports one of the Ambassador’s key objectives aimed at strengthening economic ties between the US and Jamaica.

Williams noted that a major transformation was taking place on the energy landscape as the country positions itself to achieve the target of a 20 per cent renewable energy mix by 2030.

“The country is open for business, investments and innovations in the energy sector and we welcome the opportunity afforded by this trade show to advance the country’s energy agenda.”

SPI held its inaugural show in 2004 and was designed to serve and advance the solar energy industry by bringing together the people, products, and professional development opportunities that drive the solar industry. The show has since evolved to match the growth of the industry, bringing together an extensive alliance of renewable energy leaders to become the largest gathering of solar, smart energy, energy storage, and hydrogen fuel cell professionals in North America.