Jamaica issues RFP for 115 MW of renewable energy development
Beach Resort at Montego Bay, Jamaica (source: flickr/ mcclouds, creative commons)
Alexander Richter
27 Kas 2012
Jamaica is issuing a request for proposals (RFP) for the development of up to 115 MW of electricity generation capacity through renewable energy sources. Geothermal energy thereby is an option.
The country of Jamaica in the Caribbean has – as of 2011 – a total installed capacity of renweable energy of 52 MW and is now preparing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for adding 115 MW of renewable energy power generation capacity to the country.
Investors – so the Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining – will be be able to bid for up to 115 MW of electricity generating capacity through the RFP process. All potential investors in large or small energy installations are eligible to participate. The company wants to achieve a 20 percent share of electricity generated by renewable resources by 2030.
In order to clear the way for investments in the sector, the country abolished the exclusive right for renewable energy development held so far by the Petroleum Corp. of Jamaica. The removal of the exclusivity will essentially open the market, and competitive bids for the development of renewable energy projects in Jamaica are possible.
The country has seen some preliminary examinations of its geothermal potential and with 22 hot springs in tourist areas of the island state, there is a belief that geothermal energy is an option for the country.
The country is believed to have a geothermal power potential of up to 100 MW. While there have been no specific sites been determined it is believed that there are four different areas of interest, all have geothermal hot springs. Two areas are in the Eastern part of the country, one in the interior of the island and the fourth stretching across the western part of Jamaica.
Source: PCJ (pdf), Jamaica Observer
