KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Science, Energy, and Technology, Hillary Alexander says the Government is putting together an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) to guide the development of a modern energy sector in Jamaica.

She made the announcement at the opening ceremony of the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ), Jamaica Alternative Energy Expo last Friday at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston.

The IRP will: establish the projected electricity demand over a 20 year period; determine the generation capacity and technologies to be used to satisfy the demand over this period; and to establish agreements on the transmission and distribution infrastructure to generate and deliver the needed electricity and the resulting tariffs.

The plan, which is slated for completion later this year, will also inform the procurement of new generating capacity, as well as the investment requirements for the transmission and distribution system over the medium to long term.

“We anticipate that when the plan is completed, all stakeholders, including the investment community, will have a clear view of the agreed suite of medium to long term investment opportunities,” she said.

The permanent secretary also reiterated that the ministry will continue to create a framework that will give rise to a vibrant renewable energy industry.

“Our target of having 30 per cent of Jamaica’s energy being generated from renewable sources by 2030 is what has given rise to facilities such as the wind farms operated by Wigton and Blue Mountain Renewables, as well as solar power plants like the 20 mega watts (MW) plant in Content and the 37 MW Eight Rivers plant which is scheduled to come on stream later this year,” she stated.

Meanwhile, Group General Manager for PCJ, Winston Watson said his organisation, remains committed to assisting in expanding the alternative energy sector.

“We are responsible for implementing the government’s energy programme. We pretty much look at energy projects that we can implement or assist in implementing. We are involved in solar, wind, hydro and we have an oil refinery. We are also involved in bio-fuels,” he said.

Watson said the PCJ also encourages youth participation in energy diversification, through its School Energy Programme science competition. The Expo which was held from June 16 to 17 attracted over 30 local and international exhibitors demonstrating new technologies in wind, hydro, solar and bio-fuel energy sources. The annual event, provides a forum for the public to freely access information about the latest alternative energy technologies, as well as energy efficiency products and services.