THE JAMAICA Public Service (JPS) is to be allowed to use coal as a fuel source to expand existing capacity.
This was one of several policy recommendations developed at the recent Cabinet retreat designed to increase national energy efficiency in light of high prices. Prime Minister P. J. Patterson update journalists yesterday at Jamaica House on decisions taken at the three-day retreat last week.
IMPROVING EFFICIENCY
The Ministry of Commerce and Science and Technology is due to present a position paper for improving efficiency of fuel conversion for energy generation, giving consideration to clean technologies to minimise pollution. Gas is also to be considered as a replacement fuel.
JPS' largest customer, the National Water Commission (NWC) is to be asked to develop a proposal to increase its energy efficiency, and for a further proposal to be submitted to the Petrocaribe Fund with savings being used to repay the loan.
The Ministry of Commerce and Science and Technology is also to prepare a proposal for Cabinet consideration to establish a regional centre of excellence for research and development in renewable energy. This will build upon the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean's (UNECLAC) recent recommendation that Jamaica be a focal point for renewable energy development in the English-speaking Caribbean.
NHT LOANS
The National Housing Trust (NHT) will also be involved to offer loans for installation of solar water heaters to NHT and non-NHT beneficiaries and also to incorporate heaters in all of its housing schemes. Solar energy heating is also to be encouraged in hotels.
And following the approval of ethanol to replace MTBE as a fuel enhancer the Ministry of Commerce, Science and Technology, together with the Ministry of Finance and Planning are to prepare a proposal to encourage lower octane fuel.
