Renewables Profile

We're Creating a Better Energy Future

As a nation, we are on a journey to gradually reduce our dependence on oil for electricity generation. We have partnered with a number of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to diversify our energy supply and put our island’s renewable resources to work. We have harnessed the cool Jamaican breeze, powerful waterways and our sunny skies to create a noteworthy renewable portfolio.

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Wind Turbines

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Hydropower Plants

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Solar Power Plants

Wind Energy

JPS has Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with Wigton Wind Farm Limited and BMR Energy, as part of our commitment to support the development of renewable energy in Jamaica. Wigton Wind Farm has 62MW of installed wind capacity, and BMR Energy has 36 MW of installed wind capacity. Both these wind farms are located in St Elizabeth in the southern side of the island.

JPS also has a wind farm, which is located in St Elizabeth. The company’s 4-turbine 3MW Munro Wind Farm was officially commissioned in October 2010.

An important point to note about renewables is that they provide what is called “intermittent power”. This means that the when there is no wind, there is no electricity from the wind plants. JPS therefore has to ensure that back-up power is in place to serve customers when the renewables are not available.

Wind Energy

Wind is used to generate mechanical power or electricity

Vertical-Axis Turbines

Wind turbines can be built on land or offshore in water.

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Power from Wind energy - January - September 2023

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Wind Turbines

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Hydropower Plants

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Solar Power Plants

Hydropower

JPS has seven 7 hydroelectric plants with a total installed capacity of 26MW. The hydropower plants are:

  • Upper White River (St. Ann)
  • Lower White River (St. Ann)
  • Roaring River (St. Ann)
  • Rio Bueno A (Trelawny)
  • Rio Bueno B (Trelawny)
  • Maggotty Plant (St. Elizabeth)
  • Constant Spring (St. Andrew)

An important point to note about renewables is that they provide what is called “intermittent power”. This means that when there is an interruption in the flow of the rivers powering the hydro plants, there is no electricity from the hydros. JPS therefore has to ensure that back-up power is in place to serve customers when the renewables are not available.

Effects

Hydroelectric dams help control downstream flooding, provide water for crop irrigation

Power Tool

Also known as water power, is the use of falling or fast-running water to produce electricity or to power machines.

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Wind Turbines

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Hydropower Plants

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Solar Power Plants

Solar Energy

We have partnered with two Independent Power Producers namely, Eight Rivers Energy Company (EREC) and WRB Enterprises (Content Solar), who sell solar energy to JPS.
JPS and the University of Technology (UTech) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on October 8, 2012 to set up a solar renewable energy facility including the installation of a 100kWh solar photovoltaic system. The solar facility provides electricity to the university. Its engineering students worked on the project as part of a tool for learning. They also designed and installed the units. The main objectives of the project were to demonstrate the viability, true costs and operational factors of solar energy projects in Jamaica. It was funded by JPS and will educate and expose UTech students to new energy technologies. The facility has been handed over to the University and remains fully operational to date.

An important point to note about renewables is that they provide what is called “intermittent power”. This means that the when there is no sun – due to cloud cover, rain or hurricanes – there is no electricity from the solar plants. JPS therefore has to ensure that back-up power is in place to serve customers when the renewables are not available 

Solar Energy

Solar energy is radiant light and heat from the Sun that is harnessed using a range of technologies.

Low Maintenance

This is because there are no moving parts in the solar system.