Jamaica to spend less on oil as more renewable energy is generated – Wheatley

Energy Minister Dr Andrew Wheatley says Jamaica's increasing use of renewables to generate electricity will result in the country spending less on oil imports.

Speaking recently at the groundbreaking for a US$60 million 37 megawatt solar-energy plant in Westmoreland, Dr Wheatley said this would place Jamaica on the right trajectory to supply not only residential customers but the productive sector with affordable energy.

More than US$2 million is spent annually to import oil for energy generation.

He said the Government, having embraced the drive towards greater inclusion of renewable energy, has committed to energy security through the diversification of its energy products, aided by the legislative and regulatory framework that currently exists.

The Energy Minister said close to 600 persons have been granted net billing licences to sell excess energy from solar energy systems to the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS).

At the same event, Dr Wheatley made note of the World Economic Forum ranking Jamaica number one in the Caribbean for energy diversification.

Jamaica has recently revised its target to derive from 20 to 30 per cent of its energy from renewable sources.