In a groundbreaking development for Jamaica’s renewable energy landscape, a joint initiative between LASCO, The University of the West Indies (UWI), and the USAID has culminated in the completion of a pioneering solar and battery storage pilot project at the company’s White Marl plant in St Catherine.
With a combined capacity of 510 kilowatts for solar and 1,074 kilowatt-hours for battery storage, the $1.8-million project represents a significant leap forward in the nation’s journey towards energy independence.
The project, spearheaded by LASCO, supported by technical expertise from The UWI and local renewable energy specialists, and receiving financial backing from both LASCO and USAID, was unveiled in a ceremony on last Thursday.
Daryl Vaz, minister of science, energy, telecommunication and transport, hailed the project’s completion as a testament to Jamaica’s commitment to renewable energy goals. He emphasised the Government’s aspiration to achieve 50 per cent renewable energy usage by 2030.
“This completion makes it one of Jamaica’s largest commercial solar and storage project to date and will power LASCO’s operations, also providing emergency backup power to the Central Village Community Centre.”
Speaking with The Gleaner, Vaz acknowledged the Government’s role as a facilitator in fostering a conducive environment for renewable energy initiatives.
“We are encouraging alternative energy. Of course, we have reduced the import duty on the batteries to encourage alternative energy efforts to streamline regulations and incentivise alternative energy adoption, including reducing import duties on batteries. What we are doing today is to support private-sector initiatives to take us to the 50 per cent by 2030 or near enough,” he stated.
He revealed that the report from the joint select committee reviewing the Electricity Act is completed and will be tabled in Parliament soon, but while this is pending, the minister has move forward with amendments to the legislation.
“My ministry has sought to move forward with the amendments to the Electricity Act that will provide the legislative framework for auxiliary connections and the ability to grant licences for this activity,” Vaz disclosed.
He said he has the assurance of the chief parliamentary counsel that the amendments will be submitted soon.
LASCO Executive Chairman James Rawle commended the collaborative effort between LASCO and The UWI as a model for public-private partnerships driving environmental sustainability and economic growth.
“This project not only bolsters resilience, but also safeguards business interests towards sustainable energy future,” Rawle stated, while highlighting a 10-kilowatt-hour solar hybrid system that will benefit the nearby Central Village community’s multipurpose centre.
Dr Jaidev Singh, representing the USAID, lauded the project as a blueprint for Jamaican manufacturers seeking to integrate renewables into their operations.
Meanwhile, United States Ambassador to Jamaica Nick Perry commended LASCO for its leadership in promoting sustainability and resilience within Jamaica’s manufacturing sector. Perry reiterated the shared vision outlined in the US-Caribbean partnership to address the climate crisis.
“I applaud LASCO for its leadership and commitment to advancing sustainability and resilience within Jamaica’s manufacturing sector,” Perry noted.
The project is anticipated to generate approximately 791,000 kilowatt-hours annually, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and diminishing reliance on traditional power sources like the Jamaica Public Service Company. With its completion, the LASCO solar and battery storage project stands as a beacon of innovation and progress in Jamaica’s renewable energy landscape.
ruddy.mathison@gleanerjm.com