Dear Editor,

I share Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport Daryl Vaz’s optimism about Jamaica’s oil prospects and support a balanced approach to our energy future. However, from an engineering standpoint, we must address a core requirement of any modern grid: continuous, reliable, low-carbon power that is not dependent on weather conditions.

Solar and wind will continue to play an important role, but they are variable by nature. To stabilise the grid and reduce emissions at scale, Jamaica will ultimately need a firm, always-available power source. One credible option under active global development is small modular reactors (SMRs). These are compact nuclear plants designed for incremental deployment, improved safety, and consistent output. Based on Jamaica’s demand profile, a small fleet of approximately three appropriately sized SMRs, strategically located, could provide long-term energy stability (in cost and supply, refuelling is measured in years not weeks) and reduce reliance on imported fuels.

While SMRs are not yet widely deployed commercially, this is precisely why early preparation is critical. Infrastructure planning must anticipate where technology will be in 10-15 years, not where it is today. Delayed decision-making risks locking us into outdated or suboptimal systems.

A key enabling step is legislative readiness. Section 27 of the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act, 2015 should be amended to move beyond its current restrictive posture and explicitly allow for the licensing, construction, and operation of civilian nuclear power facilities under strict regulatory oversight. The amendment should also establish a clear framework for site approval, environmental safeguards, operator liability, and long-term waste management.

In parallel, Jamaica should establish an independent nuclear regulatory authority with the technical capacity to oversee safety, compliance, knowledge transfer from overseas operators, and public protection. Public education is equally essential to ensure informed national dialogue.

On the commercial side, a build-own-operate (BOO), our highly successful toll road model, offers a practical path forward. Under this structure, experienced international developers — potentially from countries already advancing SMR technology (China, Russia, France, Japan, USA) would finance, construct, and operate the facilities, while Jamaica benefits from stable, long-term power purchase agreements without assuming significant upfront debt.

Globally, advanced reactor designs are also exploring alternative fuel cycles, including thorium-based systems, which may offer improved fuel availability and reduced long-term waste. Countries like China are already integrating nuclear as a dependable partner to renewable energy.

Jamaica does not need to commit today, but it must prepare today. A technology-neutral, forward-looking strategy will position us to adopt the best available solution when the time is right, ensuring true energy security and resilience for generations.