KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Science, Energy and Technology (MSET), Dr Andrew Wheatley yesterday received the Central American and Caribbean Renewable Energy Congress (RECAM) 2017 Renewables Champion of the Year Award.

A news release from the ministry said that the minister, who delivered the keynote ministerial opening address at the second RECAM Congress at the Hilton, Panama in Panama City on Tuesday, was one of two nominees in this category.

The other nominee was Faro Energy, a company focused on bringing “international capital and solar experience to emerging markets.”

Wheatley’s name, along with the other nominee’s, was submitted via an online survey and judged by international industry players.

The competition had five categories:

• Most Innovative Project of the Region;

• Best Community Initiative in the Region;

• Developer of the Year;

• Solution Provider/Supplier of the Year, and

• Renewables Champion of the Year

According to the RECAM website, the Renewables Champion of the Year award goes to, “the company or individual that has done the most to support, drive or assists the growth of the renewable energy industry in Central America and the Caribbean.”

In his brief acceptance response, Wheatley thanked the RECAM organisers and industry players for recognising “the advancements Jamaica has made in increasing its adoption of renewables into its energy mix.”

He specifically highlighted the role played by: BMR Jamaica Wind, WRB Energy, Wigton Wind Farm, Eight Rivers Energy Company Ltd and the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) “in supporting Jamaica on its journey to 30 in 30 (30 per cent of Jamaica’s electricity to be sourced from renewables by 2030).

The Congress, which closes today, has seen over 350 attendees – regional, senior renewable energy executives and policy makers – discussing green energy sector best practices, national policies, case studies in the field, and networking to facilitate and secure new contracts.