Jamaica is one step closer to realizing its goal of having 20 per cent of the country’s energy derived from renewable energy following a combined $20 Billion investment in several renewable energy projects.

This includes the 36.3-megawatt BMR Jamaica Wind Farm in Malvern, St. Elizabeth, an additional investment in Wigton III in Manchester for over $5 billion and another investment in a 20-megawatt solar facility in Clarendon for nearly $6 billion.

According to Energy Minister, Phillip Paulwell, these investments are “creating jobs for thousands of Jamaicans, while diversifying the energy sector.” He says the projects are also in keeping with the Government’s push to lower the cost of electricity for Jamaicans.

Minister Paulwell says the projects have also put the country on track to be the leader in the region in the gross production of renewable fuel, and have bolstered the Government’s target of 20 per cent renewable energy by 2030. “Energy security is the great game changer. We should all understand and appreciate the significance of what is happening. These are real solid investments that will impact on our long-term future and security. These are real exciting times for Jamaica.”

Paulwell says with Jamaica’s improved business ranking, investors are now realising that the country is a good place to do business, and going forward, the Government will be doing constant reviews of its position with the aim of attracting more energy projects.

BMR Jamaica Wind Farm, on completion, will be the single largest privately funded renewable energy project in Jamaica and one of the largest in the Caribbean. It is slated for completion by the end of March 2016. Expansion of the Wigton Windfarm (Wigton III) is expected to cut oil imports by 37,000 barrels per year, and achieve annual savings of more than $200 million.

WRB, the Tampa, Florida-based developer, which is undertaking the 20-megawatt solar facility in Clarendon, is promising to deliver clean, reliable, renewable energy at a stable price to Jamaicans for decades to come. The facility will power more than 20,000 homes while reducing fuel imports by more than three million gallons each year.