THE Manchester-based Wigton Windfarm will tomorrow host a seminar on wind energy and power purchase agreements.

The workshop s a collaborative effort between Wigton — a subsidiary of the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ) — and Vetas, a world-leading provider of wind energy technologies, products and services. It will be held at the PCJ Auditorium in New Kingston.

The agenda includes a comprehensive introduction to wind energy as well as detailed emphasis on the commercial aspects of Power Purchase Agreements and best practices regarding grid integration.

Targeted participants include wind project de-velopers and other energy professionals as well as policy makers and Government representatives.

The seminar is being held as part of the PCJ’s drive to support the development of Jamaica’s renewable industry by increasing awareness about the technical and commercial aspects of the business. In keeping with this, the schedule of presenters includes senior executives from Vetas, with extensive engineering and sales experience; as well as a legal expert with a solid background in energy industry contracting.

“As one of the country’s leading producers of renewable energy, Wigton has a responsibility to build local capacity and encourage greater utilisation of clean energy technologies,” explained Earl Barrett, Wigton’s general manager.

“In convening this workshop we hope to increase awareness about the technical and business aspects of the renewable energy industry and expose local stakeholders to the industry’s potential,” he added.

Among those expected at the seminar are Adrian Katzew, vice-president and general manager, Vestas Mexico, Central American and Caribbean; Kenneth Young, chief specialist, Vestas Technology & Service Solutions; and Steven Saylors, senior specialist — electrical; and attorney-at-law Edward Rogan, partner at Reed Smith LLP.