JAMAICA Public Service (JPS) has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with BMR Jamaica Wind, which envisages purchasing energy from the renewable power generation company.
The agreement, which has a lifetime of 20 years, will support the 34 megawatt wind farm near Malvern, St Elizabeth. BMR is spending around $90 million to construct the farm, which is expected to save the country importation of 250,000-300,000 barrels of oil per year.
JPS also has an option to purchase a 20 percent interest in the project. In a statement JPS said that the development is significant in the country’s energy security and diversification programme. It also envisages reducing the cost of electricity.
It is expected that the project will create between 90 and 120 new jobs during periods of construction, which will commence in August 2014. Commissioning is scheduled for September 2015.
editor