RUBiS Energy Jamaica is investing $308 million in the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems across its islandwide service station network as part of an initiative geared towards promoting energy sustainability and the reduction of its carbon footprint.

The initiative, called the Energy Production and Carbon Dioxide Offset project, aims to generate 600 megawatts of energy annually and forms part of the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) road map for 2022–2025.

“The solar [PV] systems will yield approximately 30 per cent of the energy required to run the facilities, replacing a significant portion of the power needs with clean, renewable energy, which is a much more eco-friendly alternative. RUBiS is also actively working to enhance energy efficiency by installing energy-efficient, automated LED lights in some locations, upgrading older inefficient equipment, and conducting an energy audit to identify service stations with the highest electricity consumption,” RUBiS CEO Michel Malatino explained.

Based on the company’s CSR road map — which aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals — one of RUBiS’ sustainability initiatives is designed to reduce its environmental footprint, starting with its head office in Rockfort, Kingston. The company has already installed solar panels at several service stations across the island, supporting the Government’s call for local businesses to incorporate renewable energy solutions into their operations.

Already, RUBiS has completed installations at 10 service stations across the island: 94 Old Hope Road, Half-Way Tree, Upper Waterloo Road, Washington Boulevard, and Water Lane in Kingston; St James Street, Howard Cooke Boulevard, and West Gate in Montego Bay; Bridge House in Spanish Town, St Catherine; and Ocho Rios in St Ann.

Having marked the start of an expanding programme, the energy company plans to double the number of service stations with solar PV by the end of 2023.

“Providing the highest-quality fuel in Jamaica whilst reducing our carbon footprint is at the cornerstone of the RUBiS philosophy. Via its newest division — RUBiS Renewables — RUBiS Group has taken a majority stake in HDF Energy, the world pioneer in green hydrogen-electricity. HDF is currently establishing subsidiaries in the Caribbean and expecting to impact the region with renewable energy supply,” Malatino said.

Demonstrating its commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development goals even further, RUBiS Energy Jamaica recently has leveraged its experience in decarbonisation to provide energy-saving and cost-efficient solar lights to Adastra Gardens Primary and Dunoon Technical High Schools.

According to Human Resource Manager Donnovan Dobson, this gesture affirms the company’s commitment to implementing sustainable solutions and increasing energy efficiency for the betterment of the surrounding local community.